The Strategic World of Curling: Rules, Equipment, and 2026 Olympic Updates
MILAN, 12 February 2026 — As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games hit their stride, curling has once again captured the global imagination. Often described as “chess on ice,” this sport of precision, sweeping, and intense strategy is currently dominating the ice at the Olympic venues. With the Mixed Doubles tournament recently concluded and the Men’s and Women’s round robins now in full swing, understanding the nuances of the “Roaring Game” has never been more relevant.
The Fundamentals of Curling
Curling is a sport in which two teams take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones across a sheet of ice toward a circular target known as the “house.” The objective is to accumulate the highest score by stopping stones closer to the centre of the house (the “button”) than the opposing team.
The Playing Surface and Stones
The game is played on a “sheet,” a rectangular area of ice carefully prepared with “pebble”—small droplets of water sprayed onto the surface that freeze to create a textured finish. This texture allows the stones to “curl” or curve as they travel. Each stone weighs approximately 20 kilograms (44 lbs) and is equipped with a handle for delivery.
The Team Structure
In standard Olympic competition, teams consist of four players:
- The Lead: Delivers the first two stones and excels at sweeping.
- The Second: Delivers the third and fourth stones.
- The Third (Vice-Skip): Delivers the fifth and sixth stones and assists the Skip with strategy.
- The Skip: The team captain who directs strategy and delivers the final two stones.
Essential Rules and Scoring
A standard game consists of eight or ten “ends.” During an end, each team delivers eight stones (two per player). In Mixed Doubles, a variation gaining massive popularity, teams consist of one man and one woman, using six stones per end.
Scoring Points
Only one team can score in an end. A team scores one point for every stone that is inside the house and closer to the button than any of the opponent’s stones. If no stones are in the house at the conclusion of an end, it is called a “blank end” and the score remains 0-0.
The Role of Sweeping
Sweeping is one of the most distinctive aspects of curling. By vigorously brushing the ice in front of a moving stone, players momentarily melt the pebble, reducing friction. This allows the stone to travel further and maintain a straighter path.
2026 Winter Olympics: Current Standings and Results
The 2026 Winter Games in Italy have already provided significant drama. As of today, 12 February 2026, the focus has shifted from the Mixed Doubles to the traditional team formats.
Mixed Doubles Recap
The Mixed Doubles tournament concluded earlier this week. In a high-stakes final two days ago, the United States (Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse) faced Sweden (Isabella Wranå and Rasmus Wranå) for the gold medal. Italy and Great Britain also featured heavily in the playoff field, while Canada faced an early exit from medal contention.
Men’s and Women’s Competition (Live Updates)
The Men’s and Women’s round-robin sessions began this week. Notable results from the last 24 hours include:
| Event | Matchup | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Round Robin | Canada vs. Germany | 7 – 6 | Brad Jacobs (CAN) defeated Marc Muskatewitz (GER) |
| Women’s Round Robin | Canada vs. Denmark | 10 – 4 | Rachel Homan (CAN) secured a dominant opening win |
| Women’s Round Robin | USA vs. South Korea | 8 – 4 | Team Peterson (USA) defeated Team Gim (KOR) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do curlers shout so much?
The Skip shouts instructions to the sweepers regarding the speed and path of the stone. Common commands include “Hurry!” or “Hard!” to encourage intense sweeping, and “Whoa!” or “Up!” to signal them to stop.
What is the “Hammer”?
The “Hammer” refers to the last stone delivered in an end. Having the hammer is a significant tactical advantage, as it allows a team to have the final word on the scoring for that end.
What equipment do I need to start?
Beginners need very little: a pair of curling shoes (one with a sliding sole, usually Teflon, and one with a gripper sole) and a curling brush. Most clubs provide stones for use on-site.
How long does an Olympic curling match last?
A standard 10-end game typically lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. Each team is allocated a specific amount of “thinking time” (usually 38 minutes for 10 ends) to ensure the game progresses at a steady pace.