Group Leader Ray Hardy explains all about Molkky
Mölkky (Finnish Skittles) – a traditional game with a modern following. Looking for a fun, sociable outdoor activity that's easy to learn and suitable for everyone? Discover Mölkky, the Finnish skittles game that's proving a hit with Ravenshead u3a members. Combining skill, strategy and plenty of laughter, this traditional game offers a great way to meet new people and enjoy some friendly competition. Find out how we play, why it's so popular, and how you could start a Mölkky group in your own u3a.
Molkky is a centuries-old outdoor game originating in the region of Karelia, in eastern Finland. Traditionally, it was a popular community game played outdoors during both the summer and winter months. The game was later introduced to other parts of Finland and beyond by evacuees who were displaced during the Second World War.
Read more about the game below!
The aim is to be the first team to reach 50 points. However, there are a few additional rules to keep things interesting! For example, if a team scores more than 50 points, its score goes back to 25. Another unusual feature is that the skittles are stood up again wherever they have landed, rather than being returned to their original positions. This means that the layout changes as the game progresses, adding an extra element of challenge and strategy.
At Ravenshead u3a, we like to keep things fair and friendly. To avoid cliques forming, we select our teams at random, which means everyone gets the opportunity to play with different people. Whether we win or lose, we always have great fun!
Fancy starting your own Finnish Skittles group?
If you are interested in setting up a Finnish Skittles group within your own u3a, I would be delighted to help. I am very happy to explain the rules and offer advice on getting started.
My advice is simple: the best way to learn the game is to play it! You don't need to be an expert, and you certainly don't need any previous experience. I can guarantee that you will have great fun giving it a try. Come along and have a go at Ravenshead u3a
We meet outside Ravenshead Village Hall on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, starting at 11.00 am. We play for approximately one hour. You don't need to book or have any previous experience.
If you are thinking of starting your own group, all you need is a reasonably flat grassed area measuring approximately 5m x 15m. Artificial grass would be ideal, although this size of playing area would only accommodate two teams playing at a time.