CURLING RULES

CURLING RULES: A DETAILED GUIDE

Curling is a winter sport played on ice with a stone thrown along the ice to hit a target called a “house.” but what about curling rules? It is one of the oldest sports in the world, and there are many variations worldwide. Men or women can play the game, and competitions have different formats.

CURLING RULES
CURLING RULES

The term “ends” is used to represent rounds with no specific time for each round, and a round ends when both teams throw 16 stones. Another term used is called “button,” which is the center of the house where the stone is thrown to make scores. 

WHAT ARE THE CURLING RULES?

Curling is a sport that is similar to ice hockey. Moreover, there are curling rules and regulations that players have to follow, just as in other sports. Below mention is some of the most common practices in curling.

HOW TO SCORE IN CURLING

The curling rules for the scoring system are somewhat complicated, but generally, the team with the most stones closest to the button at the end of the game wins. If both teams have an equal number of stones most proximate to the button, it is a tie. To break the deadlock, an extra End is given so that one of them scores more points to decide the winner of the match.

The number of points depends upon the number of stones inside the button. Let’s suppose the team has two stones on the button, whereas the team has one stone outside the button. In this case, the team has scored two points. Moreover, the number of points scored is either increased or decreased depending upon the number of stones inside the target, i.e., button.

WHAT IS THE STRATEGY?

In every game, all the competitors aim towards becoming victorious; the same is valid with curling, where both participants want to win the match. According to the curling rules, the last-throw team known as a hammer has a considerable advantage of hitting the opponent’s stones to minimize their chances of scoring points. This shot is called takeout.

Opponents also try to make strategies to decrease the damage of takeout by throwing a stone that causes a barrier for hammer, and in this way, the takeout is avoided, which makes perfect sense. Such types of shots are called guard shots. The more important rule, in this case, is that the hammer is awarded to the team which loses the previous end.

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TEAM COMBINATION

There are four players on each curling team; however, the most important player is the last one called Skip. The other three players are called Lead, Second, and Vice-Skip.

Lead is responsible for throwing the first two stones to make sure they enter the button, and this player throws the first two stones. The Second player also has the same responsibility and throws the same number of stones towards the button in the house, whereas the third player, Vice-Skip, also throws two stones but only sweeps when needed, unlike the first two-player.

Skip’s last player is the most critical pillar of the game because they devise strategies for the whole team apart from throwing the last two stones. Skip gives commands to other team players and throws strategically, like playing guard or takeout shots.

THROWING PROCESS

There is a specific art to throwing a stone in a curling match. First, you must know how to position your stones, toss them with precision, and avoid hitting your teammates’ stones on the button. Moreover, before making a throw, it is essential to know that the stones on clean, i.e., there are no such things that can cause friction to the stone.

It is mandatory to be aware of the Hog Line because throwing a stone while crossing the line will lead to removing the stone from the match. Players need to release or throw the stone before the Hog Line.

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HOW SWEEPING WORK

According to curling rules, when a player throws the stone, their team members can start sweeping to reduce the friction and make the path clear for the stone to reach the target smoothly.

The Skip of the team will command their team members when to start or stop sweeping because Skip is the one who devises strategies for the team, as mentioned earlier. However, sweepers need to avoid hitting the stone as it will lead to its removal from the game.

CONCLUSION

Curling is a strategic and fun sport that different age groups can enjoy. Furthermore, the curling rules can be a little confusing initially, but with a bit of practice, everyone can become a curling pro. 

So why not grab some friends, put on your curling shoes, and head to the nearest curling rink!

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