How curling scoring works
A curling score is a line score: a row of ends, and in each end only one team can score.
Counting stones
After all the stones of an end have been thrown, the team with the stone closest to the button scores one point for each of its stones in the house that is closer than the other team’s best stone. An end can be worth 1 to 8 points.
The hammer
The last stone of the end is called the hammer. The team that scores gives the hammer to the other team for the next end. Scoring without the hammer is called a steal.
Blank ends
If no stone finishes in the house, nobody scores. The team with the hammer keeps it, which is why teams sometimes blank an end on purpose.
Ends and extra ends
Games are 8 or 10 ends, often 6 in club leagues. If the score is tied after the last end, an extra end is played, unless the league lets ties stand.
Conceding
A team that is too far behind may concede by shaking hands. Championship rules allow this only after a set number of ends, 6 in a 10-end game.
Mixed doubles
Teams of two deliver five stones each and have one more placed before the end starts, so an end is worth up to 6. A blank end passes the hammer, and each team may call one power play a game when it has the hammer.
What Score All does with these rules
Scoring an end
When all the stones have been thrown, only the team with the stone closest to the button scores: one point for each of its stones in the house closer than the opponent’s best stone. That is 1 to 8 points. Tap the number for the team that counted.
Blank ends
If no stone is in the house, nobody scores and the end is blank. Tap Blank end; the hammer stays with the same team.
The hammer
The last stone of an end is the hammer, and it is a real advantage. The team that scores hands it to the other team, so scoring without it is a steal. The scoreboard shows who has it.
Ends and extra ends
Club games are 8 ends, championships 10 and many leagues 6. Tied after the last end, an extra end decides it, or the tie stands if your league plays it that way.
Conceding
A team that cannot catch up may concede. Championship play allows it only after 6 ends of a 10-end game; set the earliest end if your club has a rule.
Mixed doubles
Two players a team and six stones each, one of them placed before the end, so an end is worth up to 6. A blank end passes the hammer, and each team has one power play a game while it holds the hammer.
Curling scoring FAQ
How many points can you score in an end of curling?
Up to 8, one for each stone a team throws, if all of them are closer to the button than the other team’s best.
What happens on a tie in curling?
An extra end is played, and the team that scores in it wins. Some leagues let a tie stand instead.
How is curling scored?
End by end. Only the team with the stone closest to the button scores, one point for each of its stones closer than the other team’s best. The totals after the last end decide the game.
What is the hammer in curling?
The last stone of the end. The team that did not score in the previous end gets it, and a blank end leaves it where it was.
Is there a free curling scoreboard app?
Yes. Score All keeps the line score and the hammer for free on any phone, with a live scoreboard link, a TV display and a line score overlay for streams.