Curling
Curling is a winter target sport where players slide polished granite stones across an ice sheet toward a circular target called the house. Teammates use brooms to alter the ice surface and influence the trajectory and speed of the stone.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Early Modern
- ORIGIN
- Scotland
- PLAYERS
- 4–8 per match
- EQUIPMENT
- Granite stone, broom
- PLAYING AREA
- 45.7 × 5.0 m sheet
- DURATION
- 8–10 ends (c. 2.5 h)
- GOVERNING BODY
- World Curling
- OLYMPIC
- Yes
Team positions & roles
| Position | Role & Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Lead | Delivers first two stones; sweeps for remaining teammates. |
| Second | Delivers third and fourth stones; sweeps for remaining teammates. |
| Third (Vice) | Delivers fifth and sixth stones; assists skip with game strategy. |
| Skip | Delivers final two stones; directs team strategy from the house. |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1511 | Earliest dated curling stone inscribed in Dunblane, Scotland. |
| 1541 | First written reference to a curling match recorded in Paisley. |
| 1838 | Grand Caledonian Curling Club formed to standardize rules. |
| 1924 | Curling featured at the inaugural Winter Olympics in Chamonix. |
| 1966 | International Curling Federation (now World Curling) established. |
| 1998 | Curling permanently restored to full medal status at the Winter Olympics. |
How a game works
Teams take turns sliding eight 19.1 kg granite stones toward the target (house) at the opposite end of the ice sheet. Sweepers brush the ice ahead of moving stones to reduce friction and decrease curl. A game consists of 8 to 10 ends, with teams delivering 16 stones per end.
Scoring in one line
Only the team with the stone closest to the center button scores in an end, receiving one point for each stone closer than the opponent's nearest stone.
Where it came from
Originating in late medieval Scotland, early curling was played on frozen ponds using flat river stones. Scottish emigrants exported the sport to Canada and North America in the 19th century, leading to indoor ice facilities and standardized manufactured granite stones.
Curling today
Governed by World Curling, the sport is played worldwide with primary strongholds in Canada, Europe, and East Asia. Disciplines include traditional four-player team events, mixed doubles, and wheelchair curling at both world championship and Olympic levels.
Run a Curling tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 10 ends (approx. 2.5 h).
FAQ
Why do curling players sweep the ice?
Sweeping warms the ice surface slightly and melts micro-thin films of water, which reduces friction and allows the stone to slide farther and travel straighter.
How heavy is a curling stone?
A standard curling stone weighs between 38 and 44 pounds (17.2 to 19.9 kg), including its handle and assembly bolt.
Is curling in the Olympics?
Yes, curling featured at the inaugural 1924 Winter Games and returned permanently as a medal sport in 1998.