The Rules of Curling

Teams

A team consists of 4 players. The Lead, the Second, the Third or the Vice-Skip and the Skip. Every curler plays 2 stones per End. During the End the Skip is standing in the house and controls the game. He gives tactical tips (if the curlers should play offensive or defensive...) and "gives ice" for the stonedelivery (look under "game"). If the Skip plays his 2 stones the Third stands in the house.

Finish of the game

You win the game when you scored often. A normal play is divided up in 10 Ends. One End lasts about 15 minutes. Per End only one team kann score (compare "points").

Points

Per End only one team can score. Only this stones can be counted that are in the house (or touch the edge of the house). A team receives a piont for every stone that is nearer the center than any other stone from the opponent team (look at pictures). The two Skips decide this only with the help of their eyes. If they can not distinguish wich stone is nearer the house they can use a measuring device. If also the measuring device does not bring a decide nobody receives a point.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Rink

Sweeping

A team can sweep its stones between the two Tee-Lines. Stones that are standing still and were transfered into moving due another stone can also be sweeped. Presweeping is not allowed. Behind the distant Tee-Line only the Skips are allowed to sweep the stones. But they can sweep all stones (also the opponent stones). When the curlers are sweeping or doing other activites no stone is to be touched. If a team touches a still standing stone it will be transfered back to the origin position. But if a team touches an own moving stone that was just played it will be removed of the game and all other stones that were touched from this stone will be replaced to the origin position.

Free Guard Zone

Free Guard Zone means all space between hog and teeline except the house. There are two kinds of the Free Guard Zone rule (FGZ-rule): the European or 4-Rock-FGZ-rule and the Canadian or 3-Rock-FGZ-rule. In the European version the first four stones of an End that are in the FGZ (look at the picture) must not be kicked out of the game. In the Canadian version this rule count only for the first three stones of the End. This rule keeps the game more interesting because that team wich has the right of the last stone is not allowed to kick out all opponent stones.

Spirit of Curling

In Curling, there two different types of rules. The official ones and the "Spirit of Curling". The Spirit of Curling contains rules such as, "Always be polite to your opponent" or "The looser congratuates the winner, while the winner thanks the looser for the game". It is even bader to offend against the Spirit of Curling as offend against the official rules.

Curling Etiquette

In addition to the "Rules of the Game" there are rules of etiquette which every conscientious curler should observe. These unwritten laws give a curler a feeling of well-being and aid in the retention of the historic dignity of the game.  To learn about these rules click here.

Techniques

Push Delivery

Brushing

Rock Delivery Timing

Links

http://www.curlingbasics.com - This is a great page for anyone just learning the game of curling.  It teaches basic strategy plus it gives animated images of different curling shots and terms.

http://www.curling.ca/ - This is the Canadian Curling Association's page which gives a more in-depth look at the rules of the game and also various curling clubs around the country.

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