Contents
Profile
Power play in mixed doubles curling
- Sport
- Curling
- Discipline
- Mixed doubles
- Use
- once per game
- Who
- Team with the hammer
Mixed doubles in brief
In mixed doubles, teams consist of one woman and one man. Each team plays five stones per end, and one further stone per team is placed at fixed positions before the end begins: one as a guard in front of the house and one in the house behind it. This makes for full houses and lots of points. Mixed doubles has been Olympic since 2018.
What is the power play?
Normally the pre-placed stones sit on the centre line. In a power play they are placed to the side instead: the guard sits off to the side in front of the house, and the stone of the team with the hammer sits behind it at the edge of the house. This leaves the centre free and gives the team with the hammer plenty of room for its own stones.
The rules
- Only the team with the hammer may choose the power play.
- Each team may use it once per game, not in extra ends.
- The team must announce its decision before the end begins.
The exact rules are set out in the World Curling rulebook.
Tactics
The power play is a tool for scoring a big end – three, four or more points. Teams often use it when they are behind and need points, or in the second half of the game when it is clear they will have the hammer. The opponent tries to keep control with precise takeouts and draws and to limit the team with the hammer to as few points as possible.
Comparison with ice hockey
The curling power play has only its name in common with the power play in ice hockey. In ice hockey the numerical advantage comes from a penalty; in curling it is a voluntarily chosen tactical option with no penalty involved.
For spectators
You can spot a power play on TV immediately: the pre-placed stones are no longer in the centre but at the side. From this moment it pays to watch closely, because these ends often produce many points. Commentators often keep track of which team still has its power play left.
Recreational play and training
Mixed doubles is becoming more popular in recreational curling too, because only two players are needed and games are shorter. Many clubs hold their own mixed doubles tournaments. Anyone wanting to master the power play should above all practise precise draws to the side of the house.
Frequently asked questions
+What is the power play in curling?
A mixed doubles rule that lets the team with the hammer have the pre-placed stones positioned to the side once per game.
+How often can the power play be used?
Once per game, not in extra ends.
Sources & further links
Editorially researched and checked against association and rulebook information. Found a mistake? Write to us via the Contact page.
Read more in the encyclopedia
Sport
Curling
Curling is a precision sport on ice in which two teams take turns sliding granite stones towards a target called the "house". By sweeping in front of the stone, players influence its distance and curl. A team scores a point for every stone closer to the centre than the opponent's best stone.
Term
Hammer (last stone) in curling
The hammer is the last stone of an end in curling. The team that plays it has a big advantage because the opponent can no longer respond. After a scoring end, the hammer passes to the team that did not score.
Term
Guard in curling
A guard is a curling stone that comes to rest in front of the house and protects other stones. Teams can hide their own stones behind it, where they are hard to hit. The free guard zone protects such stones at the start of an end.
Term
End in curling
An end is a section of play in curling, comparable to an inning. Both teams play all their stones in turn, then the score is counted. A game usually has ten ends, eight in mixed doubles.
Term
Draw in curling
A draw is a curling shot in which a stone is placed at a specific spot, usually in the house or as a guard in front of it, without knocking other stones out. Exact pace, line and sweeping are what matter.