Viking bowling originated in Finland, is the most popular yard game in Europe.  It is fairly new to the US but growing in popularity.  Viking bowling, sometimes called Mulkky, is a backyard game that requires hand eye coordination, strategy and a little math.  This simple game with an academic twist is perfect to curb summer learning loss.  I found Viking bowling or Mulkky on amazon for a steal.  Click here to see it on Amazon.

Game Set Up

Viking Bowling can be played with 2-6 players. To start the round playing order can be assigned randomly. This game comes with a throwing pin, and 12 numbered pins also called skittles. Set up the pins in a tight 3-4-3-2 formation as pictured.  After the pins have been set determine a throwing position about 10 feet from the pins. 

Viking Bowling Game Play

The game starts with the first player tossing the throwing pin underhand at the pins.  1 point is scored for every pin that is laying on the ground, if a pin is laying on another pin, that does not count.  Only the pins that are completely laying on the ground will count.  In the event that a player knocks over only one pin, the player gets the number of points on that pin. 

After every throw the throwing player will total their points and set up the pins where they fell.  The pins are not returned to the original formation they are stood up where they lie. As game play continues the pins will become spread out, and give players more opportunities for a simple pin score.

Players take turns tossing the throwing pin and gaining points until one player reaches exactly 50 points.  If a player exceeds 50 their score will reset to 25 points and continue play until one player wins.