Education

Rules of Curling

Curling is a team sport played on ice, where players slide stones toward a target called the 'house.’
It is often referred to as 'chess on ice' because of its strategic nature. Below is an overview of the fundamental rules of curling:

• 1. Game Structure

  Teams: Each team consists of four players. Each player delivers two stones per round, for a total of eight stones per team per round.

  Ends: A game is divided into 8 to 10 rounds, called 'ends.' Each team alternates turns to throw stones during an end. At the end of all rounds, the team with the highest score wins.

• 2. The Playing Field

  Sheet: The ice surface, called the 'sheet,' is 44.5 meters long and 4.75 meters wide.

  House: The circular target area at both ends of the sheet is called the 'house.' The house has concentric rings with a bullseye known as the 'button' at the center.

• 3. Throwing Stones

  Delivery: Players slide a polished granite stone across the ice toward the house. The throwing player can add spin (a 'curl') to the stone to influence its trajectory.

  Sweeping: Teammates use brooms to sweep the ice in front of the stone, reducing friction to control its speed and direction.

• 4. Scoring

  Points: Points are awarded at the conclusion of each end. Only one team scores per end, based on the number of stones closer to the button than the opposing team's closest stone.

  Winning: At the end of the game, the team with the highest cumulative score wins.

• 5. Turn Order

  Lead, Second, Vice-Skip, and Skip: Each team member plays a specific role in the delivery order. The Skip is the team captain and strategist, guiding the placement of stones and directing sweeping.

• 6. Rules of Play

  Hog Line: Stones must cross the 'hog line' to be considered in play. Stones failing to do so are removed from the ice.

  Stone Interaction: Players can strategically knock their own or their opponents' stones to alter the position of stones in the house.

• 7. Fair Play

  Curling is known for its emphasis on sportsmanship. Players are expected to adhere to the spirit of fair play, resolving disputes amicably and congratulating opponents on good shots.

• 8. Equipment

  Stones: Each stone weighs about 19.96 kg and is made of granite.

  Brooms: Sweeping brooms are used to alter the ice's surface.

  Shoes: Curling shoes have one sliding sole and one gripping sole to allow controlled movement on ice.

• Learn More

  For more detailed rules, check the official World Curling Federation Rules and Regulations at: https://worldcurling.org/rules/