What is curling?
Curling is a team sport played on ice in which players slide heavy granite stones toward a target called the house. Teammates sweep the ice to guide each stone's path and speed.
Each team has four players, and each player throws two stones per end, a round similar to an inning. Stones weigh about 17 to 20 kilograms and are made of granite, much of it from the Scottish island of Ailsa Craig. Points are scored for stones closer to the center of the house, called the button, than any of the opponent's stones.
When a player releases the stone, they give it a slight spin, which makes it curl, or curve, as it slows down. Sweepers brush the ice in front of it, slightly melting the surface to reduce friction, which makes the stone travel farther and straighter. The ice is sprinkled with water droplets, called pebble, to help stones glide.
History
Curling began in Scotland in the 1500s on frozen ponds and lochs. It became an official Winter Olympic sport in 1998, and mixed doubles was added in 2018. Canada is the most successful curling nation.
Did You Know?
Curling is sometimes called chess on ice because teams plan several shots ahead.