Curling Sport

Curling is a team sport where players slide granite stones toward a target on ice, combining precision and strategy. It's a Winter Olympic favourite with deep historic roots.

	Info
Origins	Originated in Scotland in the 16th century
Team Structure	Played between two teams of four players
Objective	To have stones closest to the centre of the house
Match Format	Matches typically consist of 8 or 10 ends
Olympic Status	Curling is part of the Winter Olympic Games

Where Did The Sport Of Curling Originate?

Curling began in 16th-century Scotland as a winter activity on frozen ponds and evolved into a global Olympic sport.

Curling history highlights:

• Origin: First recorded in 1511 in Scotland.
• Development: Created by Scottish communities during harsh winters.
• Historic records: Early games noted in church records and 1500s artwork.
• Global spread: Brought to Canada by Scottish immigrants—now a leading nation in the sport.
• Olympic debut: Became a full medal event in the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Where Is Curling Played?

Curling is played worldwide, but it's especially popular in countries with strong winter sports traditions and Olympic presence.

Curling popularity facts:

• Top nations: Canada, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, USA, and Japan
• Olympic reach: Played by teams from Europe, North America, and Asia
• Venues: Held in dedicated indoor arenas with one or more ice sheets
• Recreational play: Still enjoyed outdoors in some areas, often for social or heritage events

Curling Sport Terms

New to curling? This quick glossary breaks down a few essential curling sport terms to help you follow the game with confidence.

Term	Definition
End	A round of play where each team throws eight stones; similar to an inning.
House	The circular target area on the ice where teams aim to place their stones.
Hammer	The last stone thrown in an end, giving a strategic advantage to that team.
Sweep	Brushing the ice in front of a moving stone to control its speed and direction.
Skip	The team captain who strategizes and usually throws the final stones.
Draw	A type of shot where the goal is to gently land the stone inside the house.
Takeout	A shot that aims to remove the opponent's stone from play.
Guard	A stone placed to block the path to the house, often used for strategy.
Button	The small circle at the centre of the house; the most valuable scoring spot.
Blank End	An end where no team scores, often intentional to retain the hammer.

How Do You Play Curling Sport?

Curling is played by two teams sliding stones on ice, aiming to land closest to the target's centre. It's a game of strategy, precision, and teamwork.

Basic Curling Gameplay:

	Info
Teams	Two teams of four players each
Objective	Score points by placing your stones closer to the center of the target (the "button")
Structure	Games are divided into 8 or 10 rounds called ends
Duration	A typical match lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours
Turns	In each end, teams alternate throwing 8 stones
Scoring	Only one team scores per end; they earn 1 point for each stone closer to the button than the opponent's nearest
Hammer	The team with the last stone (the hammer) has a scoring advantage
Sweeping	Teammates sweep the ice to control the stone's speed and direction

Curling Sport Equipment

From the iconic stone the curling sport is known for, to the curling brushes, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in gameplay and performance.

Equipment	Description & Use
Curling Stone	Made of polished granite, each weighs about 20 kg and is used to score points by reaching the house.
Curling Shoes	Players wear a special pair of shoes, one with a slippery sole (slider) for gliding, and one with grip for control and balance.
Curling Brushes	Also known as brooms, they are used to sweep the ice in front of a moving stone to influence its speed and direction.

Curling Sport Positions

Curling teams usually have four players, each with a set role, but only one throws at a time. Mixed Doubles is a faster format with just two players per team.

Position	Roles & Responsibilities
Lead	Throws the first two stones of each end and sweeps for the rest of the team's shots.
Second	Delivers the third and fourth stones; also sweeps and often plays takeout shots.
Third (Vice-Skip)	Throws the fifth and sixth stones and supports the skip with strategy and house positioning.
Skip	Team captain who throws the final two stones and makes all strategic decisions.

Curling Techniques Sport

Curling success relies on precise techniques and smart strategy. From simple shots to high-stakes plays, each move has a specific purpose in the game.

Key curling techniques:

Shot Type	Description
Draw Shot	A soft, precise shot that stops inside the house to score or set up a guard
Takeout	A forceful shot used to remove an opponent's stone from play
Guard	A shot placed short of the house to protect your own stones or block your opponent's path
Freeze	A stone that stops directly in front of or behind another, minimizing the chance of removal
Hit and Roll	A takeout shot that removes an opponent's stone while rolling your own into a better position
Peel	A powerful takeout designed to clear guards or multiple stones from the front of the house
Tap Back	A controlled shot that nudges your own stone closer to the button without removing it

Iconic moments like Canada's "in-off double takeout" at the Olympics or Sweden's precision guards at Worlds highlight top-level curling technique under pressure.

Curling Sport Scoring

Curling scoring is based on which team has stones closest to the centre of the target, or "house," after each end. Only one team scores per round.

Scoring Rules	Description
Scoring per End	Only one team can score in each end
Determining the Scorer	Once all 16 stones are thrown, the team with the closest stone to the button scores for that end.
Points Awarded	The scoring team earns 1 point for each of its stones closer to the button than the opponent's nearest
Scoring Eligibility	Stones must be at least touching the house's outer circle (12-foot ring) to count
Blank End	A blank end happens when no points are scored - often done on purpose to keep the hammer for the next end
Winning the Match	The team with the highest total points after all ends wins
Tiebreaker	If tied, an extra end is played to determine the winner

Curling Sport Rules

Curling relies on strategy and sportsmanship, but also follows strict rules on timing, gameplay, and conduct—many of which are self-managed by the teams.

Key Curling Rules:

	Info
Turn Structure	Teams alternate sliding 8 stones each per end
Scoring	Only one team scores per end, based on stone placement in the house
Stone Delivery Rule	Players must release the stone before reaching the near hog line; otherwise, the stone is removed
Officiating	No referee is present—curling is largely self-officiated through honesty and mutual agreement
Time Limits	Teams typically have 38-40 minutes of thinking time in a 10-end match
Sweeping Rules	Delivering team may sweep to influence the stone; opponents may only sweep after the tee line
Free Guard Zone Rule	Restricts early removal of certain stones to promote strategic play
Governing Body	Rules are consistent worldwide and governed by the World Curling Federation