How Many Curling Stones Are in a Set?
A standard curling set contains 16 curling stones. Each team uses eight stones, usually identified by a different handle color. During a traditional end, all 16 stones are delivered once, with teams alternating shots.
How the 16 stones are divided
The usual curling stone set has two matched groups of eight. One team plays one color and the other team plays the second color. The colors help players, officials, and spectators identify which stones belong to each team as they move across the sheet.
Every player on a four-person team normally delivers two stones in each end. The lead, second, third, and skip therefore account for all eight stones. The order can vary in some formats, but the team still has eight deliveries per end in standard four-player curling.
Does every curling format use 16 stones?
No. The number changes in shorter or alternative formats. In mixed doubles curling, each team delivers five stones per end, while one stone from each team is placed before play begins. That means 10 stones are involved in an end, although the exact arrangement can depend on the competition rules.
Shorter recreational games may also use fewer stones to save time or suit the number of players available. Those reduced sets are not the standard full curling set used in regular four-person games.
What does a complete curling stone set include?
A complete standard set generally includes 16 matched stones in two colors, with eight stones in each color. The stones are made from dense polished granite and fitted with handles. Each stone is designed to slide on the ice and has a distinctive running surface that affects its path.
Sets used by clubs may be selected or matched for similar size, weight, and playing characteristics. A home or training set may be sold differently, so check the product description if you are buying curling stones rather than counting the stones used in a game.
Why are there eight stones per team?
Eight stones per team allow each of the four players to throw twice during a standard end. The format creates room for takeouts, guards, draws, and other tactical shots before the score is counted. After all 16 stones have been played, the team with the stone closest to the button normally scores the end.
Common questions about curling stone sets
Are there eight or 16 stones in curling?
Both numbers can be correct depending on what is being counted. A team has eight stones, while a complete standard set for both teams has 16 stones.
How many curling stones does each player use?
In a standard four-player game, each player delivers two stones per end. The team’s eight stones are shared among the lead, second, third, and skip.
How many stones are used in mixed doubles curling?
Each mixed doubles team delivers five stones per end, for 10 delivered stones in total. One stone from each team is also placed before the end begins.
Are all curling stones the same?
No. Curling stones can differ in granite, weight, running surface, handle design, and wear. Stones used in the same game are normally matched closely so that equipment differences do not unfairly influence play.
