Curling is a sport in which players slide stones across a sheet of ice towards a target area which is segmented into four rings. Two teams, each of four players, take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones across the ice towards the house, a circular target marked on the ice. Each team has eight stones. The purpose is to accumulate the highest score for a game; points are scored for the stones resting closest to the center of the house at the conclusion of each end, which is completed when both teams have thrown all of their stones.
The curler can induce a curved path by causing the stone to slowly turn as it slides, and the path of the rock may be further influenced by two sweepers with brooms who accompany it as it slides down the sheet, using the brooms to alter the state of the ice in front of the stone. A great deal of strategy and teamwork goes into choosing the ideal path and placement of a stone for each situation.
(Excerpted from from Wikipedia)
Intro to Curling
Curling Canada has an animated two minute guide to curling (\”The game with the ice, and the rocks, and the sweeping, and the yelling\”) that will give you a good overview of the teams, rules, and scoring:
“Dare to Curl – Curling 101”
Here\’s a video by USA Curling covering a brief history and the fundamentals of the sport:
More Info
Read our “What is Curling?” blog post, with links to articles explaining some of the basics of curling and answering some of the most-asked questions. Also see our page of curling links for more information, tips, and local clubs.
Want to try curling? Join us for one of our Learn to Curl sessions and we’ll teach you everything!