What kind of sport is curling? Curling is a simple sport in which players slide round stones, measuring 30 centimeters (about a foot) in diameter, across ice. The aim is to place the stones as close as possible to a target at the other end of the 44.5-meter (146-foot) playing surface. Curling evolved from a game played on frozen ponds and rivers and is thought to have originated in Scotland in the mid-16th century. It was played as a demonstration sport at the last four Winter Games and has been included as an official sport for the first time at Nagano. Although curling is simple to play, the rules are a little complicated. Games are played by two teams of four players. One player from each team throws a stone in turn until all players have thrown. Each "end" is completed when all players have thrown two stones each, making a total of 16 stones. Teams earn points by placing their stones as close as possible to the center of the target circle. Each stone that is in the circle and closer to the center than the opponents' stones scores one point. A match consists of 10 ends, and the team with the highest total score wins. Curling has been described as "chess on ice" because of the high level of skill required. For example, players can knock their opponents' stones out of the circle in such a way that their own stones remain inside the target area. Or they can position their stones to hinder the other team. After the stone is thrown, two players are allowed to adjust the speed and curve of its motion by brushing the ice furiously with brooms.

RETURN TO QUESTION
LOOK AT ANSWER