Curling scoring, explained: A guide to understanding the rules, terms and Olympic points system originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Scoring an End: A game is divided into rounds called ends, typically eight or 10 per match. Once all 16 stones (eight per team) have been played, the team with the stone closest to the button scores one point for every stone that is closer to the centre than the opponent’s best stone.

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics doesn’t take place until Friday at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, but some of the world’s top athletes are already competing in Italy. That includes in the sport of curling,

Here's everything you need to know about curling ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, including the rules, regulations and what to watch for.

Competition kicks off at the Cortina curling stadium February 4.

Olympic competition begins Wednesday with curling. Here’s a breakdown of the sport’s history, rules and strategy.

Accuracy, precision and teamwork are the pillars of curling. First played in late medieval Scotland, the sport has taken center stage at the Winter Olympics since its debut at the 1924 Winter Games. Great Britain won the inaugural three-team Olympic ...

When the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games come around every four years, there are many sports which compete to grab the attention of viewers around the world. However, there is one in particular that seems to capture the hearts and minds of many every time: curling.

The games are too long, scaring away younger fans with ever-diminishing attention spans. There is too much standing around between spurts of activity. And the unpredictable duration makes it difficult for TV networks to plan for a predictable broadcast window.

Scoring an End: Matches are split into rounds termed ends, usually eight or 10 per game. After all 16 stones (eight per side) have been delivered, the team whose stone sits nearest the button earns one point for each stone positioned closer to the centre than their rivals' closest stone.

Team USA is gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which has already kicked off with some curling events ahead of the opening ceremony Friday in Milan, Italy.