What do you need to know to play curling?

Answer 1

The basic object of curling is to place your stone closest to the center of the 12 foot circular target area (the House).

Each team has four players.

A throwers teammates may use brooms or brushes to direct the stone's path. Brushing the ice creates a thin film of water that allows the stone to move more easily.

There are ten ends (much like innings in Baseball.)

In each end teams alternate shots until sixteen stones have been thrown (actually, stone slide, they are not literally thrown)

Players throw two of their team's stones then change position, with the best player typically throwing last

Teams get one point for each stone they place closer to the center than the opponents closest stone to the center. Only one team can score per end.

The team who throws the last stone in an end (the Hammer) has a tactical advantage. If Team A scores in an end Team B will have the Hammer in the next end.

Teams with the hammer try to get at least 2 points, teams without the hammer try to limit the other team to 1 point if they cannot score themselves.

If no stones are inside the House at the conclusion of the end no points are scored and the team with the hammer retains it in the next end
The general rules of the game are the same in most places, however some specific rules differ from country to country and according to level of play.

If you're new to the game or playing in a recreational league, the PDF will have all you need to know and more.
Basically, two teams of four people take turns trying to get their stones closer to the button (center circle of the bullseye) for ten innings (called ends). Knocking the opponent's stones out is part of the strategy. For a more extensive explanation of the official rules, see the attached link.

Answer 2

Curling is a game played on the ice. The ice is made up of two houses one on each end, an end is when you play one direction on the ice. Example: the first end would be both teams playing one direction, the second end would be them playing back the other direction etc. Teams have 8 rocks that they curl out onto a target. This target is called the House. The closest rocks to the center of the house are counted for points. At the beginning the skips either toss a coin or draw to the button (center of the house) to determine who gets hammer (last rock). If you score points in any end the opposing team receives hammer. There is 8 to 10 ends played. The rock is slid across the ice, and the sweepers use their brooms to melt the ice to reduce friction and keep the rock going straight. At the end who ever has the most points wins.

Answer 3

Fewer ends, reduced playing time or two major differences. See the attached link for curling basics. Wheelchair rules are included. (Choose your language, then WCF, then rules on the bottom of the page. Wheelchair rules is section 13.)

Answer 4

I'm not a professional, but I know that you have to slide a rock (not the real stone) to the target as close as you can. By the way, isn't that the only safe winter sport?

Answer

If you go the the web site www.ultimatecurlingbroomheads.com there are tips on how to play the sport of curling there. You will have fun at the curling club when you join.

Answer 5

Rules of Curling

• Teams of four take it in turns to curl two rocks towards the target area with the scores being counted after all 16 rocks have been sent down the ice.
• International matches have a time limit of 73 minutes per side with two timeouts lasting a minute each. 10 minutes and one timeout are permitted per extra end in the event of a tie.
• The stone must be released its front edge crosses a line called the hog. Foul throws are removed from the ice before they have come to rest or in contact with other rocks.
• Sweeping may be done by two members of the team up to the tee line, whilst after that point only one player can brush. After the tee one player from the opposing side may also sweep
• A stone touched or moved when in play by a player or their broom will either be replaced or removed depending on the situation.
• The team to go first is decided by coin toss, "draw-to-the-button" contest or, in Olympic competition using win-loss records. Subsequently the team that failed to score in the previous end has the advantage of going last, called the hammer throw.
• A team may concede if they feel they cannot win, although depending on the event and stage of event they may have to wait until a certain number of ends have been completed.
• Fair play is of huge importance so there is a culture of self-refereeing with regards fouls and this is a big part of curling.

Answer 6

It can be played by 2 - 4 players, the team alternates between a circular target.

Answer 7

Go to curlingbasics.com for official rules.

Answer 8

Just Google your nearest curling club, they probably have a website, and contact them to see what options they have for new curlers!