Scoring in curling is based on the position of the stones in the circular target at the end of the sheet of ice. The goal is to have your team’s stones closer to the center (the button) than the opposing team’s stones at the end of each round (called an “end”). A game of curling is played for several “ends,” with the total score for a team calculated by adding their points earned during each end. Once the last end is completed, the team with the highest total points wins.
Counting Points in an End
When an end (the name for a round in curling) is completed, the team with the stone closest to the button scores points. Each stone closer to the button than the opponent’s nearest stone counts as a point. The maximum number of points a team can score in an end is eight, which occurs when all eight of their stones are closer to the button than any of the opposing team’s stones.
No Points Scenario
In some cases, no points are awarded in an end. This situation, called a blank end, happens when no stones are left in the house or when the stones closest to the button belong to both teams and are an equal distance from the center.
Hammer Advantage
The hammer is the last stone thrown in an end, giving the team with the hammer a strategic advantage. Teams usually try to score multiple points when they have the hammer or blank the end if they can’t score more than one point, retaining the hammer for the next end.
Measuring Close Stones
When it’s difficult to determine which stone is closer to the button visually, a special measuring device called a curling measure is used. The device has a central pivot that sits on the button and an extendable arm with a measuring gauge. By extending the arm to each stone in question, the team can accurately determine which stone is closer.
Curling Scoring Examples
To better understand curling scoring, let’s explore some examples of different scoring scenarios in an end.
Single Point Scenario
In this example, Team A has the stone closest to the button, and Team B’s closest stone is the second closest to the button. Team A scores one point, as their stone is the only one closer to the button than Team B’s closest stone.
Multiple Points Scenario
In this scenario, Team A has the two stones closest to the button, with Team B’s closest stone being the third closest. Team A scores two points, as both of their stones are closer to the button than Team B’s nearest stone.
Blank End Scenario
In this example, all stones have been removed from the house, or the closest stones from each team are equidistant from the button. No points are awarded, and the team with the hammer retains it for the next end.
Keeping Track of the Score
In curling, the score is tracked using a scoreboard that displays the points scored in each end. The scoreboard usually has columns numbered 1 through 10 (or more for longer games) representing the ends, with a horizontal row for each team. The points scored in each end are marked in the corresponding column for each team.
Game Duration and Determining a Winner
A standard curling game consists of 10 ends, with the team accumulating the most points at the end of the game declared the winner. If the game is tied after 10 ends, an extra end is played to determine the winner. The team with the hammer in the extra end has a significant advantage, as they have the last opportunity to score.
Mercy Rule in Curling
In some competitions, a mercy rule is in place to prevent games from becoming too one-sided. If a team has a large lead (usually eight or more points), the game may be called early, declaring the leading team the winner.
How Do You Count Score in Curling?
Curling scoring revolves around the position of stones in the house at the end of each end. Here’s what you need to know:
- During each end, both teams take turns delivering (sliding) eight stones each towards a target area called the “house.”
- The house is a circular scoring area, consisting of four concentric circles (called rings).
- Only the team with the stone closest to the center of the house (the button) scores points in a given end.
- The scoring team gets one point for each of their stones that is closer to the button than the opponent’s closest stone.
- The maximum number of points a team can score in an end is 8 (called a “snowman” or “eight-ender”), which occurs when all eight of their stones are closer to the button than any of the opponent’s stones.
- After all the ends have been played, the team with the highest total score wins the game. In case of a tie, an extra end is played to determine the winner.
Once you have a basic understanding of how the score is counted in curling, playing and watching the game becomes much more exciting. However, scoring isn’t as easy as it looks. Give curling a try to see for yourself.
