Key Highlights
- Team GB won two medals in curling at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
- The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics will feature curling with teams from Scotland competing for glory.
- Curling is a tactical sport involving sliding granite stones down an ice sheet and strategic sweeping to control their path.
- Each team in men’s and women’s events consists of four players, while mixed doubles has two per team.
How Curling Works: A Game of Ice and Strategy
Curling is often described as “chess on ice,” a testament to the intricate strategy required. But you might think this is new, but… it’s been around for centuries.
The game involves two teams taking turns to slide 20kg granite stones down an icy surface towards a target area known as the “house.” The key to winning? Getting more of your stones closer to the center than the other team over the course of about two hours. Sounds simple, but it’s not.
The Art of Sweeping
Sweeping melts ice and warms the surface, allowing for greater control over the stone’s path. Elite sweepers are often compared to 400m runners due to their physical demands. This is crucial because a well-swept stone can glide up to two or three meters further.
Team Dynamics and Roles
In Olympic curling, each rink has a lead, second, third, and fourth player. The fourth player throws the last stone and has “the hammer,” meaning they get to throw after their opponents. The skip, who directs play, usually plays as the fourth but can switch roles.
The Hammer: A Valuable Asset
Having “the hammer” is a huge advantage because it allows you to score in every end and potentially win matches by retaining control of the game’s flow. Skips often choose to play this role strategically, not just to throw the last stone.
The Scottish Dominance: A Legacy of Ice
Scotland has dominated international curling for years, and it’s no surprise that 10 Scots are in Team GB for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their success can be traced back generations. The south-west region is a hotbed, with six of the ten Team GB players from this area.
The National Curling Academy in Stirling plays a crucial role, providing state-of-the-art facilities and support to athletes. This investment has clearly paid off, but it’s not just about access; there’s also the cultural heritage that contributes to the sport’s popularity among Scots.
Power Plays: An Added Element
In mixed doubles, each team gets one “power play” per game. This allows them to strategically place stones in advantageous positions, potentially leading to multiple scoring opportunities. It’s a high-stakes move that can turn the tide of an end.
Conclusion
The Intricacies and Beauty of Curling
Curling is more than just sliding stones; it’s about precision, strategy, and teamwork. As Team GB prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, they’ll bring their rich history and expertise to the competition.
So, if you ever watch a curling match, remember: there’s more to this sport than meets the eye. It’s a game where every move counts, and the smallest details can make all the difference.
