In curling, the team you play on is called a rink. The rink is made up of four players: the lead, the second, the third (also called the vice, vice-skip, or mate), and the skip. Each player has specific duties:

The lead throws the first two rocks of the end and then sweeps the next six. The lead must be very good at throwing guards and a strong sweeper.

The second throws the third and fourth stones of the end and should be strong at playing takeouts. The second sweeps the first two stones and then the final four of the end. The second and the lead need to be in sync when sweeping together.

The third, who throws the fifth and sixth rocks of the end, must be good at all shots, but especially draws. It is the third’s job to set up the shots that will be thrown by the skip, and to help the skip discuss the strategy of the final two stones of the end. The third also posts the score at the conclusion of the end.

The skip is the captain of the team and decides the strategy. It’s the skip’s job to tell the other players where to throw their shots and when to sweep. The skip also delivers the last two shots of the end. The skip must be good at all types of shots.

Curling, probably more than any other sport, has its own unique terminology (like hurry hard and burning a rock, among others). Here are the key curling words and phrases you need to know to blend in at your next bonspiel:

The line across the ice at the back of the house. Stones which are over this line are removed from play.

A stone that just touches the outer edge of the circles.

An end in which no points have been scored.

The line across the ice at the back of the house. Stones which are over this line are removed from play.

A curling competition or tournament.

A device used to sweep the ice in the path of a moving stone.

A stone in motion touched by a member of either team, or any part of their equipment. Burned stones are removed from play.

The circle at the centre of the house.

A tournament in which curlers compete for money.

Any stone in the rings or touching the rings which is a potential point.

The amount a rock bends while travelling down the sheet of ice.

The action of throwing a stone to the other end of the playing surface.

The line across the ice at the back of the house. Stones which are over this line are removed from playThe momentum required for a stone to reach the house or cirlces at the distant end.

A perfect end where every one of the team’s stones scores a point.

A portion of a curling game that is completed when each team has thrown eight stones and the score has been decided.

The sole of one of your curling shoes. It helps you keep your footing on the ice. See slider.

A stone that is placed in a position so that it may protect another stone.

The foot-holds at each end of the ice from which the stone is delivered.

The last rock of the end.

A rock delivered with a greater force than necessary.

A take-out. Removal of a stone from the playing area by hitting it with another stone.

A line 10 meters from the hack at each end of the ice.

A stone that does not reach the far hog line. It must be removed from play.

Also known as the rings, this is the name of the giant bull’s eye at either end of the sheet of ice. It consists of a set of concentric circles, called the 12-foot, 8-foot, 4-foot, and the Button

A directive given to sweepers by the skip or third, to begin sweeping.

The rotation applied to the handle of a stone that causes it to rotate in a clockwise direction and curl for a right-handed curler.

The rotation applied to the handle of a stone that causes it to turn and curl in a counter-clockwise direction for a right-handed curler.

A fine spray of water applied to a sheet of curling ice before commencing play.

When one stone is bumped ahead by another.

A curling team; also the name of a curling facility.

Also known as a stone, the granite playing utensil that a curler delivers. Regular-sized rocks weigh approximately 44 pounds.

The movement of a curling stone after it has struck a stationary stone in play.

The specific playing surface upon which a curling game is played.

At any time during an end, the stone closest to the button.

The sole of one of your curling shoes. It helps you move or slide along the ice.

An alternate player or substitute.

Slippery material placed on the sole of the shoe, to make it easier to slide on the ice.

The action of moving a broom or brush back and forth in the path of a moving stone.

Removal of a stone from the playing area by hitting it with another stone.

The line that passes through the centre of the house parallel to the hog line and backline.

The amount of force given to the stone during the delivery.