Curling Rules Explained: Olympic Guide for Beginners
As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approach, curling remains one of the most captivating and strategic sports on the programme. Often dubbed 'chess on ice' or 'bowls on ice,' this Scottish-born game combines precision, physics, and teamwork. With Team GB's strong contingent of 10 Scottish athletes tipped as favourites for medals—following their double success in Beijing 2022—this is the perfect time to dive into the rules. Whether you're a newbie or brushing up on the basics, here's a comprehensive breakdown of how curling works.
What is Curling and How Do You Play?
Curling is played on a sheet of pebbled ice, typically over 45 metres long, where two teams slide heavy granite stones (weighing around 20kg each) towards a circular target called the 'house.' The house has concentric circles, with the smallest centre spot known as the button. The objective? Get your stones closer to the button than your opponent's after all stones are thrown.
Games are divided into 'ends,' similar to innings in baseball. In men's and women's competitions, each team of four players throws eight stones per end (two per player). The mixed doubles event uses teams of two, with modified rules: each throws five stones, plus a pre-placed stone in the house.
The ice's unique pebbling causes stones to curl—hence the name—either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the throw. Players release the stone from a hack (a foothold) and use brooms to sweep the ice ahead of it, influencing its path and distance.
Types of Shots in Curling
Curling demands tactical shot selection. There are three main types:
- Guard: A defensive shot slid to the front of the house to protect your own stones or block opponents.
- Draw: A controlled shot aimed directly into the house to score or position strategically.
- Take-out: A forceful throw to knock an opponent's stone away, often clearing the house.
Choosing the right shot requires reading the ice conditions, which can vary due to temperature and humidity, adding layers of complexity.
How Do You Score in Curling?
Scoring happens only at the end of each end, and only the team with the stone closest to the button can score. If multiple stones from one team are closer than any of the opponent's, they score one point per stone in that sequence. For example, if yellow stones occupy the four closest positions to the button, yellow scores four points.
Men's and women's matches consist of 10 ends, lasting about two hours. The mixed doubles follows eight ends. A 'blank end'—where no stones remain in the house—awards no points to either side. The team with the most points at the end wins. Ties are rare but resolved by an extra end.
The 'hammer' is crucial: it's the last stone thrown in an end, giving a strategic edge. Before the game, teams perform a last-stone draw to determine who starts with it. When a team scores two or more points, they relinquish the hammer; scoring one passes it to the opponent. Skips often opt for a blank end to retain the hammer for a stronger next play.
Team Positions and Roles in Curling
A standard curling team, or 'rink,' has four players: lead, second, third, and skip. They throw in that order, alternating with the opposing team.
- Lead: Throws first, often placing guards to set up the end.
- Second: Builds on the lead's work, focusing on draws or take-outs.
- Third (Vice-Skip): Handles precise shots and communicates with the skip.
- Skip: Throws last (if they have the hammer) and acts as captain, calling shots and directing sweepers. In Team GB's women's team, Sophie Jackson bucks tradition by playing lead.
Each rink has an alternate who can substitute if needed and assists in practice. In mixed doubles, one male and one female player alternate throws, emphasizing partnership and quick decisions.
The Art of Sweeping: Why It Matters
Sweeping is curling's signature element. Two (sometimes three) players furiously brush the ice in front of the moving stone, temporarily melting the pebbles to reduce friction. This can extend the stone's travel by 2-3 metres or straighten its curl, allowing skips to fine-tune paths.
Elite sweepers are athletic powerhouses, often compared to 400m runners for their explosive energy and endurance. They must synchronize perfectly, as poor sweeping can ruin a shot. Non-sweepers, like skips, focus on strategy rather than physical output.
Why Scotland and Team GB Excel in Curling
Curling originated in 16th-century Scotland, where frozen ponds became impromptu rinks. Today, Scotland's dominance stems from a robust grassroots system, harsh winters fostering natural practice, and the Royal Caledonian Curling Club's influence since 1838. Team GB's Olympic success—18 medals total—relies heavily on Scottish talent, with curlers like Eve Muirhead leading the charge.
Ahead of Milan-Cortina 2026, expect the 10 Scots in Team GB to shine. Their tactical acumen, honed on indoor rinks, positions them as favourites in men's, women's, and mixed events. Recent training emphasizes ice reading and mental resilience, key to outsmarting global rivals like Canada and Sweden.
Curling in the 2026 Winter Olympics
The Olympics feature men's, women's, and mixed doubles curling, with 10 teams per event competing in round-robin format before playoffs. Matches occur on dedicated rinks in Cortina d'Ampezzo, with live broadcasts on BBC in the UK.
Beyond rules, curling promotes inclusivity—wheelchair curling is a Paralympic sport—and strategy that appeals to analytical minds. As Team GB aims to build on Beijing's triumphs, 2026 could see more history made. Whether you're watching from a cosy pub in Glasgow or your living room in London, understanding these rules will elevate your enjoyment.
For more Olympic previews, stay tuned to Everythiiing.com. Curling isn't just a game; it's a test of wits on ice.
