The Basics of Curling

Curling is a sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice towards a target area ,which is segmented into concentric rings. Two teams, each of four players, take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones, also called rocks, across the ice (curling sheet) towards the house, a circular target marked on the ice. Each team has eight stones and the purpose is to accumulate the highest score for a game; points are scored for the stones resting closest to the centre of the house at the conclusion of each end, which is completed when both teams have thrown all of their stones. A game may consist of ten or eight ends.

Curling Canada has several resources and programs that will help you learn how get started in curling safely, ensuring that you have the greatest experience possible. Here are a few videos from our Getting Started in Curling Program that will help you understand the basics of delivering a stone and sweeping.