Most people assume a power play is a flashy shortcut to big scores. Actually, it’s a narrow tactical tool with clear limits and timing that changes how an end plays out. If you’ve seen a mixed doubles match go viral, this is the reason why — the power play bends the ice map and forces decisions.
What is a power play in curling?
A power play in curling is a mixed doubles option that moves the standard pre‑placed stones from the centre to a corner setup, giving the team with last‑stone advantage (the hammer) an opportunity to score multiple points from the side instead of the centre. Under World Curling Federation rules, each team may use one power play per game when they have the hammer, and it must be declared before the end starts.
Quick definition (featured snippet ready)
A power play is a one‑time mixed doubles tactic that shifts pre‑placed stones to the side to create a corner scoring opportunity; each team gets one per game when holding the hammer.
Why it’s different from standard play
Normally, mixed doubles begins each end with two stones positioned along the centre line: one as a guard and one in the house. The power play swaps that centre alignment for a corner guard/stone pair on the side, changing angles, takeout lanes and the tactical value of guards. That change affects shot selection and increases the chance of multi‑point ends — but it also raises risk if you lose hammer control.
How many ends in curling — and where power play fits
“How many ends in curling” depends on format. Traditional team games (men’s/women’s international and Olympic) are typically 10 ends. Club games often use eight ends. Mixed doubles — where the power play lives — normally uses eight ends. So when people search “how many ends in curling” they need to know format: the power play is a mixed doubles rule inside an eight‑end game.
Exactly when and how to declare a power play
You must declare the power play before the end begins and only when you have last stone (hammer). You get one power play per game. In tournament play the referee will position the stones according to the chosen side; in informal play teams usually agree and set the stones themselves. It’s a pre‑end declaration — try to avoid surprise timing errors because once the end starts you can’t change your mind.
What the official curling rules say
For the formal wording check the World Curling Federation’s mixed doubles rules, which explain the starting stone placement and the one‑time power play allowance. These rules also outline stone placement coordinates and timing requirements. For a general overview of curling rules, Wikipedia and the World Curling Federation are good starting points: Curling — Wikipedia and World Curling Federation – What is Curling?.
Common questions players ask: tactical answers
When should you use the power play?
Use it when you need multiple points or to break a defensive deadlock. Typical scenarios: you’re trailing late by two and need a high‑reward setup; you want to avoid a centre‑stacked defence; or you want to force the other team into a difficult double‑takeout on an awkward angle. I often recommend saving it for a late end unless the opposition’s ice reads or lineup suggest an earlier advantage.
Does it guarantee a big score?
No. This is the cool part: the power play increases probability but doesn’t promise points. Moving stones to the side creates angles that favour the hammer holder, but opponents can respond with precise peel shots or a well-timed freeze. Power play increases variance — sometimes you get a big end, sometimes you hand momentum away.
How many times can it be used in a game?
Each team gets one power play per game in mixed doubles. That restriction is what makes the timing decision strategic — it’s a scarce resource.
Practical shot examples and scenarios
Example A: Two ends to play, you’re down by two. You call the power play with the hammer. The corner placement makes it easier to hide your scoring rocks behind a guard while keeping angles open for draws and soft taps. If you score two or more, you equalise and take play pressure off your team.
Example B: You’re up by one and want to force the opposition to take a risk — using the power play defensively (rare) can be a mind game; more often, the trailing team uses it. In my experience coaching mixed doubles, I’ve seen teams use the power play to flip momentum in the third or fourth end when ice conditions are best understood.
Edge cases and rule nuances to watch
- Pre‑placed stones: the official coordinates matter. Tournament officials set them precisely — at club level, measure if you can to avoid disputes.
- Timing: declare before the end begins. If you miss the declaration you forfeit the option.
- Extra ends: some competitions allow power play use in an extra end if it wasn’t previously used; others disallow it. Check event rules.
Coaching tips — what I tell mixed doubles pairs
Practice both the corner draw behind the guard and the angled takeout you may need to defend it. Learn to read which side of the sheet gives better natural angles based on ice speed and curl. Communication is everything: agree who calls ice‑reading shots and who throws the hammer shots so you don’t waste the power play opportunity trying to decide mid‑end.
Myth‑busting: what people get wrong about power plays
Myth: “Power play is only for desperate plays.” Actually, smart teams use it proactively to exploit opponent weaknesses. Myth: “Power play always goes to the team with better sweepers.” Sweeping helps, but placement and angles matter more in a corner setup. Myth: “You can use it any time you have hammer.” You must declare it before the end and you only get one per game.
Watching for learning — where to see good examples
Watch high‑level mixed doubles matches — the Olympic and World Mixed Doubles streams show textbook power play usage and counterplay. Pay attention to how teams set guards, how they sequence peels versus freezes, and how a missed execution flips the score. The World Curling Federation’s event videos are a great reference.
Quick checklist before you call a power play
- Confirm you have the hammer this end.
- Decide which side gives the best angles for your lead and skip shots.
- Declare the power play to the official before the end starts.
- Practice the corner draws, freezes and angled takeouts in warm‑up.
- Make a fall‑back plan if the opponent peels aggressively.
Where to read the official curling rules
For complete, authoritative curling rules and mixed doubles specifics consult the World Curling Federation documents. For a readable primer on different formats and common terms, the Wikipedia curling page provides context and links to formal rules.
Bottom line: when to use it and why it matters
Power play is an elegant, high‑leverage mixed doubles tool. Use it to create asymmetric angles and open scoring lanes, but treat it like one of your precious resources — it’s about timing, not panic. If you’re learning mixed doubles, mastering power play scenarios will lift your game faster than practicing standard centre draws alone.
If you’re curious about the formal placements and the exact coordinates used in competition, check the World Curling Federation rulebook and watch referee demonstrations at events to see how officials set the stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number of ends depends on format: traditional team games at elite level are usually 10 ends; many club games use eight. Mixed doubles — where the power play applies — typically uses eight ends.
A power play is a mixed doubles option that shifts pre‑placed stones from centre to the side to create a corner setup. Under standard rules each team may use one power play per game when they hold the hammer.
The World Curling Federation publishes the mixed doubles rules and starting stone placements; consult the WCF site for the official rulebook and match procedures.