Curling in CZE

A brief overview of curling

Curling is one of the oldest ice sports. Its origins are mainly associated with Scotlandwhere the oldest known references exist – for example, a curling stone from Stirling dating from 1511 nebo slavný Brueghelův obraz The Hunters in the Snow (1565), on which the game is clearly depicted.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, curling spread rapidly across Europe and overseas, gradually becoming established as an official sport.
Today, curling has more than 70 member countries of the World Curling Federation, with the largest player base in Canada, where it is played by over 1 million registered players.

pieter bruegel the elder hunters in the snow (winter) google art project

Curling at the Olympics

After years of effort, curling was included among the official Olympic sports in 1998 in Nagano. Since then, it has been part of every Winter Olympic Games and is one of the most popular disciplines among spectators.
Curling is also included in the Paralympic Games in the wheelchair category.

Curling in the Czech Republic

Curling appeared in our country in 1990, when enthusiasts began building the first facilities, sourcing equipment, and founding clubs as well as a national federation. A turning point came with the establishment of the first specialized curling hall in Prague (2004 – Roztyly). The opening of additional halls in Brno and Ostrava in recent years has further supported the development of the sport.

Czech national teams regularly take part in the European and World Championships. Significant milestones also include participation in the 2022 Winter Olympic Games (mixed doubles) and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games (men).

Today, around 30 clubs and more than 650 players are registered with the Czech Curling Association.

Principle of the game

Curling is a tactical team sport played on ice, in which two teams (with 4 players each) take turns sliding granite stones toward the target circle – the house.

The goal is to place your stones closer to the center (the tee) than your opponent’s.

Curling is characterized by:

  • delivery – the player releases the stone with rotation, which determines its curve (curl)
  • sweeping – teammates vigorously sweep in front of the stone, influencing its speed and trajectory
  • strategy and tactics – curling is often compared to chess on ice
  • fair play – respect for the opponent and admitting one’s own mistakes are fundamental values of the sport

Basic rules of the game

1. Team composition

  • 4 players: lead, second, third (vice-skip), skip
  • Everyone has a clearly defined role during an end (similar to an inning in baseball).

2. Ice track

  • Length approx. 45 m
  • There is a house at both ends – four concentric circles

3. Gameplay

  • A match is played over 8 or 10 ends.
  • In each end, both teams deliver 8 stones (2 per player).

4. Sweeping

  • Sweeping reduces friction and allows:
    • extend the trajectory of the stone
    • straighten its curvature
  • Controlling the sweep can fundamentally change the outcome of the throw.

5. Scoring

  • After an end is completed, the team whose stone is closest to the center scores.
  • The number of points equals the number of a team’s own stones that are closer to the center than the opponent’s best stone
  • Stones outside the house do not count

6. Behavior on the ice (spirit of curling)

  • Curling is based on respect, honesty, and consideration.
  • Conflicts are resolved by the team skips, not by referees

Curling – a sport for everyone

Curling is not just about strength – it requires precision, teamwork, tactical thinking, and the ability to stay calm.
Thanks to this, it can be played by children, adults, and seniors alike, and it ranks among the most inclusive winter sports.