Curling rules

Curling is a sport played on ice in which two teams of four players each slide polished granite stones, also called “rocks,” down a sheet of ice towards a circular target called the “house.” The goal of the game is to get as many of your team’s rocks as close to the center of the house as possible, while also trying to knock your opponent’s rocks out of scoring position. The game is played in several rounds, and the team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

How to play Curling

1. Each team has eight rocks, and the game is played in rounds called “ends,” with each team taking turns throwing their rocks down the ice.
2. The team that throws first is called the “leading” team, and the other team is called the “trailing” team. The leading team throws the first two rocks of the end, and then the trailing team throws the next two rocks. This pattern continues until all eight rocks have been thrown.
3. The players on the throwing team are called the “skip,” the “vice-skip,” the “second,” and the “lead.” The skip is the team captain and makes the strategic decisions, the vice-skip throws the fourth and sixth rocks, the second throws the third and fifth rocks, and the lead throws the first and seventh rocks.
4. The goal of the game is to get as many of your team’s rocks as close to the center of the house as possible, while also trying to knock your opponent’s rocks out of scoring position. Points are scored for each rock that is closer to the center of the house than any of the opponent’s rocks.
5. After all eight rocks have been thrown, the score for the end is determined and recorded. The teams then switch positions, with the leading team becoming the trailing team and vice versa, and a new end begins.
6. The game is played for a predetermined number of ends, typically 10 or 12, and the team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Curling stones

Curling stones, also known as “rocks,” are polished granite stones used in the sport of curling. They are made from a specific type of granite called Ailsa Craig Common Green, which is found only on the island of Ailsa Craig off the coast of Scotland. The stones are carefully crafted and weighed to exacting standards, and they are designed to slide smoothly on the ice while maintaining a consistent level of curl or rotation.

Curling stones are typically between 38 and 44 centimeters in diameter and weigh between 19 and 20 kilograms. They have a small, handle-like indentation on the top called the “eye,” which is used by the players to grip the stone and throw it down the ice. The bottom of the stone is concave and slightly convex, which helps it to glide smoothly and to curl or rotate as it moves down the ice.

Curling stones are an essential part of the sport of curling, and they are carefully maintained and prepared before each game. The ice on the curling sheet is also carefully prepared and maintained to ensure that the stones can slide smoothly and consistently.