Curling: Scotland's Ancient Ice Game Revealed

Curling, a sport with roots tracing back to 16th-century Scotland, will be featured daily throughout the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The game involves two teams of four players alternately sliding stones toward a target area on the ice, known as the 'house.' Points are awarded based on how close a team's stones are to the center, called the 'button.'

The unique playing surface, called a 'sheet,' is specially prepared with tiny water droplets that freeze into 'pebble,' creating a rough texture that reduces friction. Curling stones are distinctive, made from rare micro-granite quarried only on Scotland's Ailsa Craig and Wales's Trefor Quarry. These stones are propelled from a 'hack' and their trajectory can be altered by sweeping the ice in front of them.

Strategic elements include the 'hammer,' which signifies the advantage of throwing the last stone in an 'end,' akin to serving in tennis. The 'free guard zone rule' prevents the removal of opponent's stones in a specific area until a set number of stones are in play, adding a layer of tactical depth to the competition.