A beginner-friendly overview of curling rules and basics.
What is Curling?
- Curling is a sport played on ice where two teams take turns sliding heavy stones toward a large target called the house. The closer a stone is to the center, the more points the team scores.
- Players use special brooms to sweep the ice, which helps the stone travel farther and straighter.
- Curling is easy to learn and is open to people of all ages including kids, adults, and seniors.
The Playing Surface
- Sheet: A long, narrow ice surface prepared for curling play.
- House: The scoring circles at each end of the sheet.
- Hog Line: Stones must cross this line to remain in play.
- Tee Line: The line running through the center of the house.
The Equipment
- Stones: Polished granite, 19–20 kg (42–44 lb).
- Brooms: Sweep the ice ahead of a moving stone to influence speed and curl.
- Shoes: One slider sole for delivery, one gripper sole for stability.
Teams
- Four players per team: Lead, Second, Third (Vice-Skip), Skip.
- Each player delivers two stones per end.
- The Skip is the strategist and captain, calling shots from the house.
How the Game Works
- Games are divided into ends (often 8 or 10).
- Teams alternate delivering stones the length of the sheet.
- Sweeping can make a stone travel farther and straighter.
- Shots are placed to score, guard, block, or remove other stones.
Scoring
- Only one team scores per end.
- After all 16 stones, the team with the stone closest to the button scores.
- They earn 1 point for each of their stones closer than the opponent’s nearest.
- Blank End: No stones in the house → no score; hammer (last rock) carries over.
Strategy Basics
- Guards: Protect stones or block paths.
- Draws: Place a stone gently into the house.
- Takeouts: Remove an opponent’s stone.
- Hammer: Last-stone advantage in an end.
Mixed Doubles
- Two players per team; five stones each per end.
- Two stones are preset before play (one guard, one in the house).
- First thrower also throws last; roles may switch between ends.
- Power Play: Once per game, preset stones shift wide to open offense.
Spirit of Curling
Curling emphasizes sportsmanship, respect, honesty, and courtesy. Players often call their own fouls and uphold fair play.
