Olympics curling mixed doubles is a fast-paced, two-person version of traditional curling, featuring one male and one female athlete per team. It differs from the four-person game in its scoring, stone placement, and strategic use of a pre-positioned stone, making it a thrilling and accessible event. This guide breaks down the rules, scoring, and key differences so you can follow the competition with confidence.
Ingredients
- 2 teams of 2 players (1 male, 1 female each)
- 8 stones per team (standard curling stones, 38–44 lbs / 17–20 kg)
- 1 sheet of ice (curling rink, ~150 ft / 45 m long)
- 1 hack (starting block) at each end
- 1 house (target circles) at each end
- 1 hammer (last stone advantage) per end
- 1 pre-positioned stone per end (placed by the team without hammer)
- 1 broom and slider shoes per player
Instructions
- Understand the basic objective: Each end, teams deliver 5 stones per player (10 total per team) and try to get their stones closer to the center of the house (the button) than their opponent’s best stone. The team with the stone closest to the button scores points for that end.
- Know the pre-positioned stone rule: Before each end begins, the team that does NOT have the hammer (the last stone advantage) places their pre-positioned stone in one of two designated spots at the playing end. The team with the hammer then places their stone in the other spot. These stones are in play from the start.
- Alternate deliveries: In mixed doubles, each player delivers 5 stones per end, but they must alternate turns. The first player delivers the first stone, the second player delivers the second, and so on. No player can deliver more than two consecutive stones.
- Use the power play option: Once per game, each team can call a “power play” when they have the hammer. This allows them to position the pre-positioned stones in a different alignment (e.g., both on the same side), creating more aggressive scoring opportunities. The power play can be used in any end, including extra ends.
- Score the end: After all stones are delivered, the team with the stone closest to the button scores one point for that stone, plus one additional point for each of their other stones that are closer to the button than the opponent’s best stone. Only stones in the house (touching or inside the 12-foot circle) count.
- Play extra ends if tied: If the score is tied after 8 ends, extra ends are played until a winner is decided. In extra ends, the team that lost the previous end has the hammer, and the pre-positioned stone rule still applies.
- Check for a “no-tick” rule: In mixed doubles, the pre-positioned stones cannot be removed from play before they are hit by another stone. If a stone is removed prematurely (e.g., by a delivered stone before any other stone touches it), it is placed back in its original position, and the delivered stone is removed from play.
- Understand the “5-rock rule” (optional): In some mixed doubles competitions, the first four stones delivered in an end cannot be used to remove an opponent’s stone from play (except for the pre-positioned stones). This encourages more draw shots and less hitting. Check the specific event rules, as this may vary.
Tips
- Watch the pre-positioned stones: They can be used as screens or guards, so pay attention to how teams set them up. The team without hammer often places a stone in front of the house to create a guard, while the team with hammer may place one behind to set up a draw.
- Communication is key: With only two players, one typically calls the line and the other sweeps. Clear, quick communication about weight and line is essential to avoid misreads.
- Use the power play wisely: Save it for a critical end where you need multiple points, or use it early if you feel your opponent is struggling with a particular alignment.
- Know the scoring difference: Unlike traditional curling, where a team can score multiple points with several stones, mixed doubles often sees ends with 1 or 2 points. A big end of 3 or more is rare and exciting.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy watching mixed doubles as a fast-paced appetizer to the main curling events. It’s perfect for a casual viewing party—serve it with finger foods like nachos or sliders, and keep the drinks cold. The shorter game length (8 ends vs. 10) makes it ideal for a quick sports break.
Variations
- Traditional curling: The classic four-person game (2 men, 2 women) with 10 ends, no pre-positioned stones, and each player delivers 2 stones per end. Scoring is the same, but the strategy differs greatly.
- Wheelchair mixed doubles: Adapted for athletes with mobility impairments, using a delivery stick and no sweeping. The rules are similar, but the stone placement and delivery are modified.
- Mixed doubles with a “no-tick” rule: Some leagues enforce a strict rule that the first four stones cannot remove any stones, including pre-positioned ones. This changes the opening strategy significantly.
Storage and Reheating
This is a rules guide, not a dish, so there’s no storage or reheating. However, you can “store” this knowledge by bookmarking the page or printing it for quick reference during the Olympics. Reheating the excitement is as simple as rewatching the matches or reading the rules again before the next game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ends are played in mixed doubles curling? Eight ends are played, compared to ten in traditional curling. If tied after eight, extra ends are played until a winner is decided.
Can the same player deliver all the stones? No, players must alternate deliveries. Each player delivers five stones per end, and no player can deliver more than two consecutive stones.
What is the “power play”? The power play is a one-time-per-game option for the team with the hammer to reposition the pre-positioned stones in a different alignment. It’s a strategic gamble to create more scoring chances.
How does scoring work in mixed doubles? Only one team scores per end—the team with the stone closest to the button. They get one point for that stone, plus one point for each additional stone closer than the opponent’s best. Stones must be in the house to count.
What happens if a pre-positioned stone is knocked out early? If a pre-positioned stone is removed before any other stone touches it, it is placed back in its original spot, and the delivered stone is removed from play. This prevents early hits on the pre-placed stones.
Is there a different set of stones for mixed doubles? No, the stones are the same as in traditional curling, weighing between 38 and 44 pounds. The only difference is the number of stones delivered per player and the pre-positioned stones.
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