Doubles curling, often called mixed doubles, is a fast-paced variation of traditional curling played by two-person teams. It features pre-placed stones, a power play, and a different scoring rhythm, making it a favorite in the Winter Olympics. This guide breaks down the official rules clearly, so you can understand the game, follow a match, or start playing yourself.
Ingredients
- 8 stones per team (16 total, with distinct handles)
- 1 sheet of ice (standard curling sheet, 150 ft / 45.7 m long)
- 2 players per team (one male, one female in official mixed doubles)
- 5 stones pre-placed by each team before the end (see instructions)
- 1 power play per team per game (used once in a game)
- 1 hammer (last stone advantage) per end, awarded to one team
- 1 set of curling stones with handles (for delivery)
- 1 broom per player (for sweeping)
Instructions
- Set up the pre-placed stones: Before each end, each team places one stone in each of two designated spots: one behind the tee line (the “back” stone) and one in front of the tee line (the “front” stone). These are placed by the team that does NOT have the hammer. The exact positions are marked on the ice.
- Determine the hammer: The team that scores in an end gives up the hammer (last stone) for the next end. If no one scores, the same team keeps the hammer. In the first end, the hammer is decided by a draw to the button (or as per tournament rules).
- Play the first four stones: Each team delivers four stones per end (two each). The player who delivers the first stone also delivers the last stone of the end. The other player delivers the second and third stones. This order must be maintained throughout the end.
- Position the guard: The first stone of each end (from the team without the hammer) must be placed in the “free guard zone” (the area between the hog line and the tee line). It cannot be removed until the fourth stone of the end has been delivered.
- Use the power play (optional): Once per game, each team can call a power play. This allows them to reposition the pre-placed stones (the front stone is moved to the side, and the back stone is moved to the center). The power play must be called before a team’s first stone of an end is delivered.
- Score the end: After all eight stones have been delivered, the team with the stone closest to the button (center of the house) scores one point for each stone that is closer than the opponent’s closest stone. Only stones in the house (touching the rings) count.
- Handle the no-tick rule: In doubles, a stone that is in the free guard zone (before the fifth stone) cannot be removed by an opponent’s stone. If it is, the offending stone is removed, and the moved guard is replaced.
- Determine the winner: The game is played over a set number of ends (usually 8 in international play). The team with the most points at the end of the final end wins. If tied, extra ends are played until there is a winner.
Tips
- Pre-placed stones are key: Use your pre-placed stones strategically. The back stone can be a guard or a potential scoring stone, while the front stone can be a corner guard. Practice different placements to see what works best.
- Power play timing: Save your power play for a critical end, like when you have the hammer and need a big score. It can also be used to set up a difficult angle for your opponent.
- Communication is crucial: With only two players, you must constantly communicate about weight, line, and sweeping. The player not delivering the stone is often the sweep caller, but the thrower can also call.
- Know the free guard zone: The free guard zone rule is strict. If you accidentally hit a guard before the fifth stone, you’ll lose your stone and the guard is reset. Aim for the house or a corner guard early.
Serving Suggestions
Doubles curling is best enjoyed as a spectator sport or a social game. If you’re playing, gather four friends and split into two teams. It’s a great way to learn the sport quickly because there are fewer stones and more strategy per stone. For watching, it’s a fast-paced alternative to traditional curling, perfect for a winter afternoon.
Variations
- Mixed doubles vs. open doubles: Official mixed doubles requires one male and one female per team. Open doubles allows any two players, regardless of gender.
- Short format: Some recreational leagues play 6 ends instead of 8 to speed up the game.
- No power play: In casual play, you can skip the power play to simplify the rules.
- Single pre-placed stone: Some variations use only one pre-placed stone per team, but the official rules use two.
Storage and Reheating
This is a rules guide, not a food recipe, so there is no storage or reheating. However, for playing, you’ll need to keep the ice cold (around 23°F / -5°C) to maintain good sliding conditions. After a game, the ice is usually resurfaced with a pebbling machine. If you’re learning, review the rules before each session to keep them fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stones are thrown in an end? Each team throws 5 stones per end (including the pre-placed ones), so 10 stones total. That’s fewer than traditional curling’s 16 stones, which is why games are faster.
Can the pre-placed stones be moved? Yes, but only by an opponent’s stone or your own stone during play. The pre-placed stones are in play from the start, so they can be hit, but the free guard zone rule protects the front stone until the fourth stone is thrown.
What happens if the pre-placed stone is in the free guard zone and gets hit? If a stone in the free guard zone is hit before the fifth stone is delivered, the offending stone is removed, and the guard is replaced. This is the same as the regular free guard zone rule.
Is there a difference in scoring? No, scoring is the same as traditional curling: one point per stone closer to the button than the opponent’s best stone. However, because there are fewer stones, scores are often lower, but ends can be more tactical.
Can the same player throw all stones? No, the order is fixed: Player A throws the first and last stones, and Player B throws the second and third. This rule is to ensure both players participate equally.
What is the “hammer”? The hammer is the last stone of the end. Having the hammer is a big advantage because you can score or blank the end. In doubles, the team without the hammer places the pre-placed stones, which is a slight disadvantage.
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