What is the hammer in curling — explained

Introduction: Why the hammer matters in curling

The hammer is one of the central tactical elements in curling. Knowing what the hammer is and how it affects play helps players and spectators understand end-by-end decisions, scoring tactics and why teams sometimes willingly blank an end. The hammer determines which team throws the last stone in an end, and last-stone advantage often decides whether a team aims to score multiple points or to limit the opponent to one.

What the hammer means

In curling, the hammer refers to the right to throw the last stone in an end. Because the final stone can remove opposition rocks, draw into scoring position, or change the count, the team with the hammer has a strategic edge and generally favours scoring rather than defending. The hammer is commonly described as the “last-stone advantage” or simply “last rock.”

How the hammer is decided

The method for deciding who has the hammer varies by competition. For the first end, many events use a draw-to-the-button or a draw shot challenge (DSC): players deliver a stone aiming for the button and the closest shot earns last-stone advantage. In casual play, teams may agree a coin toss or similar. For subsequent ends, the basic rule is straightforward: the team that scores in an end gives the hammer to their opponent in the next end. If no team scores (a blank end), the team with the hammer retains it for the following end.

Strategic significance

Teams use the hammer to try to score multiple points (a deuce or more). Conversely, the team without the hammer often plays to force the opposition to a single point or attempt a steal — scoring despite not having the hammer. Deliberately blanking an end is a common strategy: a team with the hammer may choose to score zero and retain the hammer for a later end when they have a better chance to score multiple points.

Conclusion: Practical impact for players and fans

The hammer shapes tactical choices throughout a game and influences pacing, shot selection and end-to-end strategy. Understanding who holds the hammer and why teams leave stones in play or blank ends helps viewers interpret the unfolding tactics and anticipated scoring patterns as a match progresses.