Helsinki

About this board game

Helsinki is a board game for 2–4 players that takes about 45 minutes, inviting players to design pavilions across the Finnish capital’s Senate Square and score points by completing rows and columns.

The central board represents the square, with eight spaces and eight cards arranged around it. Each card is connected to two spaces, and on every turn a player advances their pawn 1–3 spaces before choosing whether to take cards or build a pavilion.

Cards come in five colors and show shapes ranging from size 2 to 5. Taking cards requires careful planning: the hand limit is seven cards, creating an important challenge as players decide which options to keep and which to use.

To build, play a card showing the desired piece, then add the required number of cards in the same color to match that piece’s size. The completed piece is then slid onto the player’s game board from the side of the square where their pawn is located on the central board.

• Move your pawn 1–3 spaces before taking cards or building.
• Manage a hand of no more than seven cards.
• Slide pavilion pieces onto your board from the matching side.
• Earn coats of arms by covering certain spaces.
• Spend coats of arms to activate one of 15 one-time special actions.

Once pavilions cover the right spaces, rows and columns become the key to scoring. With its card management, spatial building, movement, and special actions, Helsinki offers added complexity while keeping the central goal clear: complete your square and finish with the most points.