Winter Olympics 2026: Curling scoring explained, how many ends and who is on Team GB?

While some athletes hurl themselves down mountains or dance magnificently on ice rinks, it’s the simple art of sliding stones across ice that fascinates us Brits.

The event is actually kicking off this evening (Wednesday, February 4) with Team GB taking on Norway - days before the opening ceremony - and will even be available to watch on TV.

So before all the action begins, here’s everything you need to know about curling - including the terminology, scoring system and who is representing Team GB.

What is the curling terminology?

Curling is played on a long strip of ice, called the sheet; granite stones are hurled at the target rings at the other end, known as the “house”.

Each round a skip and vice-skip are designated by each team. They will direct the team on how to aim and deliver their stones. The vice-skip takes this responsibility when the skip is holding the stone.

When the stone is released, two players will be holding a broom, sweeping in front of the stone to reduce the friction - and therefore keep the stone sliding forwards.

How do you get points in curling?

In curling, points are awarded a the end of each end for the stones closest to the centre of the house. Only one team will score per end, depending on who was closest.

The winning team earns a point for each stone they have closer to the centre than the opponent’s best effort.

Who is on Team GB’s curling team?

There are four teams representing Team GB in curling - one squad for each of the men’s, women’s and mixed categories.

In total, there are five men and five women, making up teams of four in each event. The most well-known among them are Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, who narrowly missed out on the mixed Gold medal last Olympics, but go into the tournament as the reigning world champions.

Bruce Mouat

Hammy McMillan Jr.

Bobby Lammie

Grant Hardie

Kyle Waddell

Rebecca Morrison

Sophie Sinclair

Sophie Jackson

Jennifer Dodds

Fay Henderson