description Curling Overview
Curling turns a rectangular sheet of ice into a game of placement and tactical decisions. Its origins trace to sixteenth-century Scotland, and it is an established Olympic winter sport. Opposing teams alternate sliding heavy, polished granite stones, also called rocks, toward the house, a circular target marked on the ice. Stones already in play can serve as protection or become targets for removal.
Teammates sweep ahead of a moving stone with brushes or brooms, changing the ice conditions to influence how far it travels and how much it curls. Precision matters, but so does choosing a shot that leaves a useful position for later deliveries. International competition is governed by World Curling, formerly the World Curling Federation. The sport suits participants drawn to patient team strategy, where communication and careful execution can matter more than raw speed.
help Curling FAQ
Where did the sport of curling originate?
The team sport of curling traces its origins back to 16th-century Scotland. It was initially played outdoors on frozen ponds and lochs using simple, actual stones before standardization.
What is the purpose of sweeping the ice in curling?
Players use brooms to sweep the ice in front of the moving stone to slightly warm the surface. This briefly reduces friction, allowing the heavy granite rock to travel both straighter and farther.
How heavy is a curling stone?
A standard curling stone, which is sometimes called a rock, weighs exactly 44 pounds (19.96 kg). These heavy stones are meticulously polished from a specific type of dense granite.
What is the target called in the sport of curling?
The circular target marked on the ice is officially called the 'house.' The absolute center of the house, where points are scored, is known as the 'button.'
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