Understanding the Hammer: The Strategic Core of Curling
London, 8 February 2026 – As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics grip the sporting world, viewers are once again becoming acquainted with the unique terminology of the ice. Central to the strategy of every match is the “Hammer”, a term that describes the most significant tactical advantage a team can hold during a game of curling.
What is the Hammer?
In curling, the hammer refers to the advantage of delivering the final stone of an end. Because the team with the hammer throws last, they have the final opportunity to move stones, clear the house, or place a scoring shot without the opponent being able to respond. This is officially known as the “Last Stone Advantage”.
Holding the hammer allows a team to play more aggressively or defensively based on the stones already in play. For instance, in recent Olympic mixed doubles action, Team USA utilised the hammer in the third end against Switzerland to knock an opponent’s stone out of the way, securing two points and shifting the momentum of the match.
How the Hammer is Determined
The allocation of the hammer changes throughout the match based on the following rules:
- The Start of the Game: Before the match begins, the hammer is decided by a “Draw to the Button”. Two players from each team deliver a stone as close as possible to the centre of the house; the team with the closest stone wins the hammer for the first end.
- During the Match: The team that fails to score in an end (the “loser” of that end) receives the hammer for the subsequent end.
- Blank Ends: If neither team scores in an end (a “blank end”), the team that held the hammer retains it for the next end. This often leads to strategic “blanking” where a team purposely scores zero to keep the last stone advantage for a later, more critical end.
Key Facts: The Hammer at a Glance
The following table outlines the essential mechanics of the last stone advantage in professional curling.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Last Stone Advantage |
| Primary Benefit | The ability to react to all opponent stones with the final throw. |
| Initial Decision | Determined by a pre-game Draw to the Button. |
| Scoring Impact | The team that scores points loses the hammer for the next end. |
| Mixed Doubles Rule | Crucial for executing “Power Plays” to maximise scoring potential. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the hammer?
While the exact etymology is steeped in tradition, it signifies the “final blow” or the definitive strike that concludes an end, much like a judge’s gavel or a blacksmith’s final strike.
Can you win a game without the hammer?
Yes. If a team scores points without having the last stone, it is called a “steal”. Stealing points is considered a major tactical achievement, as the team with the hammer is statistically favoured to score.
What happens to the hammer in extra ends?
If a game is tied after the regulation number of ends, the hammer for the extra end is awarded to the team that did not score in the final regulation end.