How Does Curling Work: The Rules And Scoring System 

Many people love to watch the game of curling, but very few understand what is happening. You may have even caught the game at the 2022 Winter Olympics but are still unsure how the winner was decided. Don’t worry; we have summarized everything you need to know about this game below:

How is the game played? 

In curling, two teams of four have the singular goal of knocking polished rocks down an ice sheet into a house (a part of the ice sheet marked with a circular project). Teams are made up of four team members, and each member throws twice in an “end.” Those not involved in the throw do something called “sweeping,” which is perhaps the most iconic part of the game. Sweeping involves other players sweeping in front of the stone to ensure that it has no impediment and moves swiftly and accurately to its target. Furthermore, sweeping can speed up a stone that is moving too slowly or adjust a stone that is curving in the wrong direction. As part of the game, teams try to knock each other’s stones out of the house. 

Curling matches typically last for ten ends, and after the game, the team with the most points wins.

How are points awarded?

After each end (after each team has thrown eight times), scoring occurs. The team with a stone closest to the button of the house is awarded a point. Following this, each team is given points based on how much closer their stone is to the button than the other team’s stone. Sensors are usually used for this to ensure a fair selection.