{"id":19355,"date":"2024-01-02T08:47:06","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T06:47:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/?p=19355"},"modified":"2025-05-31T08:51:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T06:51:12","slug":"curling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/useful\/articles\/curling\/","title":{"rendered":"Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Curling"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"19355\" class=\"elementor elementor-19355\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d7efb58 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5d7efb58\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32d40bf6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"32d40bf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><\/p><\/nav><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e4750ba e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1e4750ba\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a047e75 ddddf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a047e75\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20c9d99a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20c9d99a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Master the basics of curling\u2014strategy, scoring, and team dynamics. Learn how to follow the action and place smarter bets on this tactical winter sport.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18b94166 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"18b94166\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13e8adb2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"13e8adb2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2240\" height=\"1260\" src=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-19357\" alt=\"Know the game: what smart fans need to know about curling\" srcset=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling.png 2240w, https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2240px) 100vw, 2240px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19d502c4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"19d502c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-175f64b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"175f64b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1><b>Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Curling<\/b><\/h1><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often misunderstood and unexplainable, curling is a sport where players shout undeterminable phrases yet play an intricate game with deft touches and janitor-like sweeping ability. The game is played on the ice surface, which serves as the playing surface for curling. This playing surface is a specially prepared ice rink, typically located in indoor rinks, and features pebbled ice\u2014a texture created by sprinkling water droplets onto the ice to ensure consistent stone movement and accurate play.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling is a team sport.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teams play a crucial role in curling, with each team member contributing to the overall strategy and execution, including specialised roles such as Skip and Vice-Skip.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sport has grown to a global scale, with tournaments held worldwide. Curling is featured in international competition, where national teams compete in world-class events hosted in indoor rinks around the world.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Introduction to curling<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling is a team sport that combines strategy, precision, and teamwork on a unique playing field: the ice surface. In each curling game, two teams\u2014typically made up of four players, but sometimes as few as two or as many as five\u2014take turns sliding curling stones toward a circular target known as the House. The objective is simple: after all stones are played, the team with the most stones closest to the centre scores points.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling\u2019s roots run deep, with historic curling clubs like the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishcurling.org\/curling-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grand Caledonian Curling Club<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the Royal Caledonian Curling Club playing a pivotal role in shaping the sport\u2019s traditions and rules. Today, curling clubs around the world foster a sense of community and competition, from local leagues to international events.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/worldcurling.org\/events\/worldseniors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Senior Curling Championships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/worldcurling.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Curling Federation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are instrumental in organising world-class tournaments and promoting curling on a global scale. Whether you\u2019re watching a local match or a world curling event, you\u2019ll see the same blend of skill, tactics, and camaraderie that make curling a truly unique team sport.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>The aim of the team sport of curling<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling is made up of two teams consisting of four people. Each team member has a specific role and responsibility during play, with each player responsible for throwing two stones per their turn. Their teammates then sweep the ice with brooms in the aim of directing the stones to the target at the end of the ice. The goal is for the team to get as many stones closer to the centre target than the opposition. Each team&#8217;s stones are strategically played to outmaneuver the opposing team&#8217;s stones.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both teams compete against each other, taking turns to alternate their throws. Teams decide on their strategy and shot order before each end, which can influence the outcome of the game. The four players in each side consist of the following playing positions:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lead<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Will throw first, then sweeps all other team players shots.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Second<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As the name suggests, throws the second stone, and then sweeps their teammate\u2019s shots.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Has the third stone and holds the brush for the Skip. The Vice only sweeps the first two stones, and this is more difficult as they have to navigate past the existing stones that have already been played.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Skip<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Also, the team captain always throws last and holds the brush for their teammates and tells them when to sweep, and watches the stones moving direction &#8211; the \u2018curl.\u2019<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is for teams to protect their own stones while removing the opposing team&#8217;s stones from scoring positions. The opposing team will attempt to do the same, making strategy and teamwork essential in every end.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>A brief history of curling and the Royal Caledonian Curling Club<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although not verified, curling is considered one of the world\u2019s oldest team sports. Back in 1540,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/comment\/personal-view\/3573450\/Curling-Why-not-Olympic-chucking-of-paper-into-bins.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">John McQuhin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a Scottish notary observed and wrote down a sporting challenge between two people where a rock was thrown along the ice. The early form of curling involved simply throwing stones across frozen ponds and lakes.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the first recognised curling clubs established in Scotland, it\u2019s easy to see why this story resonates with most within the game. As the Scots emigrated across the globe as part of the British Empire and beyond, those who migrated to colder climates brought curling with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hence, curling is popular in Canada, Switzerland, the USA, Sweden and of course the United Kingdom, mainly Scotland. The rise of international competition led to the establishment of major curling championships, including the men&#8217;s world championships and women&#8217;s curling events, which have become key fixtures in the sport.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling has been a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.olympic.org\/curling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter Olympic sport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> since 1924 where Great Britain took the first gold. Before its official inclusion, curling appeared as a demonstration sport at several Winter Olympics. Curling&#8217;s Olympic debut as a full medal sport took place in Nagano 1998, marking a significant milestone, and Salt Lake City hosted the Olympic curling events in 2002, further cementing its place in the Games.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Equipment and gear<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Success in curling depends as much on the right equipment as it does on skill. The most iconic piece of gear is the curling stone\u2014a hefty, polished granite stone weighing about 42 pounds. Each curling stone is carefully crafted to glide smoothly across the ice surface, and its unique shape allows for the signature \u201ccurl\u201d that gives the sport its name.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Players also rely on brooms to sweep the ice in front of the moving stone, which helps control its speed and direction. But perhaps the most specialized gear is the footwear: special curling shoes. One shoe features a slippery sliding sole, while the other has a grippy surface, allowing players to push off and glide with balance and control.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ice surface itself is meticulously prepared, with a pebbled texture that reduces friction and lets the stones travel in a controlled, curved path. The World Curling Federation sets strict standards for all equipment and playing conditions, ensuring that every world curling competition is fair and consistent, no matter where it\u2019s played.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Types of curling<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling isn\u2019t a one-size-fits-all sport\u2014there are several exciting variations that keep the game fresh and inclusive. Traditional curling teams consist of four players, each with a specific role, but the sport has evolved to include other formats as well.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mixed doubles is a fast-paced version featuring teams of just two players\u2014one male and one female\u2014who alternate throwing and sweeping. This format has gained popularity worldwide and is now a highlight at the Olympic Winter Games. Wheelchair curling offers athletes with physical disabilities the chance to compete at the highest level, with rules adapted for accessibility while maintaining the sport\u2019s strategic depth.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The World Curling Federation oversees all these types of curling, ensuring that every competition, from local club matches to world curling championships, is played with fairness and integrity. Whether you\u2019re watching traditional curling teams or the dynamic mixed doubles event, you\u2019ll see the same blend of skill, teamwork, and strategy that defines curling.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Scoring in curling<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In curling there are ten ends, similar to an innings where each team throws eight stones each, aiming to get the stones closest to the target at the end of the ice. The team with the last stone, also known as the hammer, has the last stone advantage, providing a key tactical benefit in each end.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teams obtain points for every stone that is closer to the \u2018button\u2019 in the target than any of the opposing team\u2019s stones. Only those stones inside of the \u2018house\u2019 count for points. The house consists of a series of concentric rings centered on the button, and these rings define the scoring zones\u2014only stones within these rings are eligible to score. The tee line is a key marking that runs through the center of the house, dividing it and influencing shot strategy.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if the Yellow team has three stones closest to the button than the Red team, then they score three points. Scoring is determined by measuring which stone is closest to the button after all stones have been delivered; only the team with the stone closest to the center can score in that end. Should neither side have a stone in the \u2018house\u2019 then neither team scores any points. Like bowls, only one team can score points. Teams often use their stone advantage, especially when they have the last stone, to maximize their scoring opportunities.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, the free guard zone is the area between the hog line and the tee line, but outside the house, where stones cannot be removed by the opposing team until a certain number of stones have been played. This rule encourages more complex strategies and prevents overly defensive play.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Playing curling<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Play commences as follows; the Lead begins, where the Second and Vice begin to sweep. The Skip always watches the curl. During delivery, the player uses a sliding shoe on their sliding foot to smoothly glide along the ice, which is crucial for controlling the trajectory of the stone.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applying downward force during the push from the hack helps generate initial speed and stability for the playing stones. For players with mobility limitations, delivery sticks are often used to assist in delivering the stone. Sweepers judge how far the stone travels, sweeping along the way to ensure the stone travels where they need it to, whilst the Skip hollers instructions.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teams alternate playing stones and may use direct play to position their stones effectively. Strategic shots such as centre guard and corner guard are used to protect stones or set up scoring opportunities.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tactics to remove stones, including targeting the opponent&#8217;s stone, are also employed, using shots like takeouts or peels. The order of play highlights the significance of the first and fifth stones, especially in mixed doubles or five stones formats, where each team throws five stones per end. Only when it is the Skip\u2019s turn to throw a stone does the Vice takes over the role of the Skip.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once all the stones have been thrown, the points are tallied and awarded to the team with their stones closest to the target. Hammer passes may occur at the end of play, transferring the last stone advantage between teams for the next end.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>What do curlers shout?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned above, curlers use various terms that make little sense in everyday vernacular, so here are the types of shots they play and what they mean:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Come-around shot<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Making a stone curl around another one.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Draw<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A stone thrown in such a way with the intention of finishing at a specific spot at the end of the ice.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flash<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A stone that is thrown through the house (collection of stones at the end).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Freeze<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Trying to eliminate a specific stone from play, so the subsequently thrown stone cannot succeed to the target.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thrown in a way to hit or make contact with another stone at the end.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Jam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Attempting to take out a stone that has been previously thrown but makes contact with another stone and it stops to stay in play (not over the house).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Runback\/raise takeout<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Aim is to hit a stone higher up the ice with it making contact with another stone.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Peel<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Hitting a stone to remove both it and the thrown stone out of play.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Split<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A precise shot where the thrown stone looks to hit a guard (protecting stone that has been previously thrown) promoting both it and their own thrown stone into the house, so they both count as points.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tick shot<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This shot is used to gently nudge a guard out of the way but keep it in play so that the next thrown stone can enter the target area.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wreck<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A lousy shot where a stone accidentally makes contact with another stationary stone the thrower was hoping to avoid.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other terms that curlers shout out are related to the \u201csweeping of the ice.\u201d<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The curling brush used is to clear debris from the path of the stone, so to maintain the stone&#8217;s trajectory when thrown. Stones accumulate this debris from the ice, and this can severely veer a stone off its course when gliding down the ice.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you\u2019ll hear the following terms being hollered:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hard<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hard line<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d or \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">go<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d: The Skip is shouting to the sweepers to sweep harder to maintain the current path of the stone&#8217;s trajectory.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d: The opposite to &#8220;<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hard<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8221; where the Skip commands the sweepers to lightly sweep instead to ensure the stone&#8217;s trajectory is maintained.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whoa<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d or \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Off<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d: To hold off sweeping anymore, typically because the stone is heading off trajectory.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looks heavy<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d: When a stone has been hurled too hard and fast, the Skip tells the sweepers to ease up in the aim that the stone will lose speed and momentum.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looks light<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d: The opposite of &#8220;<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">looks heavy,&#8221;<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if the stone has not enough power behind it then sweepers will frantically sweep in the hope that the stone will travel further and reach their intended point.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presently, most curlers are not professional; practising the sport whilst holding full-time jobs and working out at the gym before going on tour globally to compete.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That does not mean curling should not be taken seriously; the Winter Olympics provide an exciting spectacle for the sports enthusiast and punters alike.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Olympic competitions<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling\u2019s journey to the Olympic Winter Games is a story of tradition meeting global recognition. The sport made its Olympic debut at the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France, but it wasn\u2019t until the 1998 Nagano Games that curling became a full medal event, thanks to the efforts of the International Olympic Committee and the World Curling Federation.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, the Olympic curling competition features men\u2019s and women\u2019s tournaments, as well as the mixed doubles event, which was introduced in 2018 and quickly became a fan favourite. Teams from around the world compete for the coveted gold medal, showcasing their skills on one of the biggest stages in winter sports.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The World Curling Federation works closely with the International Olympic Committee to ensure that every aspect of the Olympic curling events meets the highest standards. The Winter Olympics remain the pinnacle of international curling, drawing large television audiences and inspiring new generations of players to join curling clubs and dream of representing their country on the world stage.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>How to bet on curling: know the game<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this guide to curling, you can now follow the excitement too! Curling is often called \u201cchess on ice\u201d for a reason\u2014it\u2019s a game of angles, tactics, and precise execution. Played between two teams of four, players slide granite stones toward a target (the \u201chouse\u201d) and use brooms to influence the stone\u2019s speed and direction.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matches are played over ten ends (similar to innings), with points awarded to the team with stones closest to the centre after all stones are delivered. After all ends are completed, the winning team is the one with the most points. The mix of physical skill and strategic planning makes curling both engaging to watch and rewarding to bet on.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to consider when<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/speculation\/sports-betting\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">betting on curling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Team form and rankings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Top-tier national and Olympic teams consistently outperform.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ice conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ice variability can favour experienced teams who adapt quickly.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tournament format<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Round-robin play often allows for safer bets compared to knockout stages.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Skip influence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The team captain (skip) plays a decisive role in shot-calling and pressure moments.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curling betting markets include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Match winner<\/b><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Correct score<\/b><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Total points<\/b><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>End-by-end betting<\/b><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Handicap markets<\/b><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re new to curling betting, check out trusted<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/useful\/articles\/best-betting-tipsters\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">betting tipsters<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who specialise in winter sports. For more experienced bettors,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/useful\/articles\/best-arbitrage-software-betting-platforms\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">arbitrage betting software<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you find value across international sportsbooks.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the Winter Olympics to World Curling Championships, this sport\u2019s tactical intensity offers serious potential for those who want to bet with both insight and accuracy.<\/span><\/p><h1><br \/><br \/><\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-adf47ca e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"adf47ca\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Master the basics of curling\u2014strategy, scoring, and team dynamics. Learn how to follow the action and place smarter bets on this tactical winter sport.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19357,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"acf":[],"blog_post_layout_featured_media_urls":{"thumbnail":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-150x150.png",150,150,true],"full":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling.png",2240,1260,false]},"categories_names":{"21":{"name":"Articles","link":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/category\/useful\/articles\/"}},"tags_names":[],"comments_number":"0","rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling.png",2240,1260,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling.png",2240,1260,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling.png",2240,1260,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-300x169.png",300,169,true],"large":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-1024x576.png",800,450,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-1536x864.png",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Know-the-game-curling-2048x1152.png",2048,1152,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"David Bailey","author_link":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/author\/davidbailey\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/category\/useful\/articles\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Articles<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Master the basics of curling\u2014strategy, scoring, and team dynamics. Learn how to follow the action and place smarter bets on this tactical winter sport.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19355"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19355\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19357"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}