Curling is a popular winter Olympic sport that involves sliding stones down a sheet of ice towards a target area. Teams take turns throwing stones, and points are scored for stones resting closest to the center of the target. One unique aspect of curling is the concept of the “hammer” – the advantage gained by the team throwing the last stone in an end. This raises an interesting question – can a team steal the hammer from their opponent in curling?
What is the hammer in curling?
The hammer refers to the privilege of throwing the final stone of an end. This is an important strategic advantage in curling, as the hammer thrower gets the last chance to add points or remove their opponent’s stones. The team with the hammer has a statistical advantage, as they can often use their last stone to secure points or deny the opposition.
The rules of curling state that the hammer passes back and forth between the teams after each end. So in the first end, Team A throws the hammer. In the second end, Team B throws the hammer. This alternates every end so each team gets the same number of hammer throws.
Can you steal the hammer?
While the hammer automatically alternates each end, it is possible for a team to “steal” the hammer within an end under certain circumstances:
- If the team with the hammer scores no points in an end, known as a blank end, then they retain the hammer in the next end. So by intentionally blanking an end, a team can hold onto the hammer for multiple ends in a row.
- If the non-hammer team scores points in an end, they will gain the hammer in the next end. This is known as a steal, where points are stolen along with the hammer.
So through intentional blank ends or scoring points while not having the hammer, a team can manipulate the order of play to gain more turns with the hammer advantage.
When would a team steal the hammer?
Generally, stealing the hammer is a strategic decision made when:
- The team feels they have a significant advantage in an end and want to retain the hammer for multiple ends to capitalize.
- The team in lead wants to force the opposition to take a single point, allowing them to regain the hammer in the next end.
- The trailing team near the end of a game needs extra hammer throws to catch up on the scoreboard.
Knowing when to steal the hammer and disrupt the order of play is an important strategic element of curling. A team trailing on the scoreboard may decide it’s worth giving up a point to steal back the hammer and gain additional scoring opportunities. Master curlers use the hammer steal as an important tactic.
Is stealing the hammer ethical?
Stealing the hammer is considered an accepted strategic technique within the rules of curling. While some view it as an underhanded tactic, it is not considered unethical or unfair play. Reasons why stealing the hammer is considered ethical include:
- The rules explicitly allow blank ends and stealing points, so hammer steals adhere to curling regulations.
- Both teams have equal opportunities to utilize hammer steals as a strategy.
- Stealing the hammer still requires skill, coordination and often sacrifice of points.
- It adds complexity and rewards strategic thinking, improving the sport.
There are no curling rules or codes of conduct that prohibit hammer stealing. Opposing teams expect that their competition will use hammer steals. Getting upset about stolen hammers goes against the culture of good sportsmanship in curling.
What are other views on hammer stealing?
While generally accepted, there are some differing perspectives on stealing the hammer:
- Purist view – Some curling traditionalists believe that constantly stealing the hammer goes against the original alternating intent of the rules. They view it as unsportsmanlike to overly disrupt the back-and-forth order.
- Entertainment view – Fans and broadcasters often enjoy hammer steals for the added drama and unpredictability they bring to the game’s pacing and strategy.
- Statistical view – Analysis shows the expected value of stealing the hammer does not always outweigh the risks. Situational factors greatly affect whether a hammer steal provides advantage.
Despite some differing opinions, the hammer steal remains an accepted curling technique. The strategy introduces interesting decision points for teams to weigh risks vs rewards in their pursuit of victory.
What are the risks of stealing the hammer?
While stealing the hammer can provide advantage, there are risks teams must consider:
- Sacrificing points by blanking ends or allowing the steal. This allows the opposition to score and risks falling further behind on the scoreboard.
- Giving up the chance to score multiple points with the hammer in the current end.
- Overusing hammer steals could make the strategy predictable. Opponents may then counter by playing more aggressively.
- Failed hammer steal attempts may hand all momentum to the other team.
Intelligent teams will weigh these risks against the potential rewards when deciding if and when to employ hammer steals. Understanding scoring probabilities for different end situations also informs good hammer steal decision making.
What are some famous hammer steals?
Some noteworthy hammer thefts in high-profile curling matches include:
- At the 1998 Winter Olympics, Canada stole the hammer in an extra end and scored two points against Denmark to win the gold medal match.
- In the 2005 World Championships, Canada skip Randy Ferbey intentionally blanked three straight ends to retain the hammer, before scoring four in the 10th end to defeat Scotland.
- At the 2015 Continental Cup, Team North America stole a point in the 8th end to take the hammer and a lead over Team World. They went on to win the overall event.
These moments demonstrate how world-class teams have utilized the hammer steal to great success on the biggest curling stages.
How can you prevent hammer steals?
To avoid having the hammer stolen, teams can employ counter strategies such as:
- Scoring multiple points with the hammer when possible to avoid blank ends.
- When leading in ends without the hammer, play very defensively to prevent steals.
- If down in ends without the hammer, be willing to give up a steal to get the hammer back next end.
- Vary play calling and do not get predictable when holding the hammer.
Strong communication, planning for different end scenarios, and not underestimating the opposition will help minimize costly hammer thefts.
Conclusion
In summary, stealing the hammer is very much allowed within the rules of curling. Skilled teams use hammer steals as a strategic technique by intentionally blanking ends or allowing steals to gain additional last rock advantages. While some view this as controversial or risky, hammer stealing is widely accepted as an ethical part of the game. Mastering when to creatively utilize hammer thefts can give teams a leg up on their competition.