Power Play Curling: How It Changes Match Strategy & Tactics

You’re not alone if ‘power play curling’ sounds like jargon at first — it tripped me up too when I first watched a televised game. It feels like a small tweak to the rules, but it changes how teams approach ends and scoring. Read on and you’ll have a clear definition, practical decisions you can make on the ice, and simple drills to try at your next practice.

What is power play curling and how does it work?

Power play curling is a strategic option used in some mixed doubles and other formats that lets the team with the hammer reposition the pre-placed stones to a corner setup instead of the usual centre guard and stone. The idea is to turn a standard centre-target end into a corner-focused scoring opportunity. That single choice reshapes shot selection for both teams for the entire end.

Why has power play curling grabbed attention in the UK?

One reason searches spiked is visibility: commentators and highlights often show dramatic results when a well-timed power play converts into multiple points. For club players and fans watching on TV, seeing this move swing an end makes people curious about the mechanics and when to use it. There’s a learning curve, and many want simple, practical advice rather than rulebook language.

When should you choose a power play?

Short answer: when you want to create a scoring opportunity away from the centre and you trust your draw and guard play. More specifically:

• If your team is confident at hammer strategy and draw weight, a power play can turn one stone advantage into two or three points.
• Use it when the opposing team struggles with corner guards or when their lead stones are weak at removing stones from the house corners.
• Consider the scoreline: it’s riskier when you need a single point to win late, and more useful when trailing and needing multiple points.

How does the opposition typically react?

Opponents usually shift to aggressive peeling and center control to deny the corner setup. Expect more takeouts and a heavier focus on removing guards in the early shots. That means your team must be ready to protect the corner stone and set effective guards — or to capitalize on any misses with precision draws.

Step-by-step: executing a successful power play

Think of this as a short checklist you can use mid-game. Don’t worry — this is simpler than it looks once you practice it a few times.

1. Announce the power play before the end starts and confirm the stone placement with officials (if applicable).
2. Place or accept the pre-positioned stones in the corner alignment (as per rules).
3. Lead with a well-placed guard on the corner side to protect the scoring stone.
4. Skip the center-first mentality: plan a sequence of two to three draws or taps to bring the stone into scoring position behind the corner guard.
5. If opponents remove the guard, be ready to switch to a quick peel and reset or to play a different angle draw that uses the other side of the house.

Common mistakes players make with power plays

A few traps are easy to fall into. The trick that changed everything for me was accepting that the power play requires different weight judgment and guard discipline — it’s not just a centre end with a fancy placement.

• Overcommitting to power play when your draw weight is off that day.
• Failing to protect the corner guard early enough; one soft miss and the opponent can take control.
• Ignoring the scoreboard: using power play at the wrong time can backfire if you only need a single point.

Simple drills to practice power play scenarios

Try these at club practice. I used them with beginners and they helped build confidence quickly.

• Corner Guard Accuracy: One player places repeated corner guards; partner practices arriving with a draw behind it from different release positions.
• Peel vs Protect: Set the corner stones and run alternating ends where one team practices peeling guards and the other defends — swap roles.
• End Simulation: Play short ends starting with a power play position to simulate tactical decision-making under pressure.

How to read the scoreboard and decide between power play or conservative play

Here’s a simple rule of thumb I use: if you’re trailing by two or more points with only a few ends left, lean toward taking the power play to create a chance for multiple points. If you’re leading by a small margin late, conventional centre play that protects a minimal score is usually safer. There are exceptions — and that’s where experience matters.

Strategy tips from competitive play

Teams that execute power plays well share a few habits:

• They communicate position and angles clearly on each shot.
• They practise weighted draws and guard placement until it’s reliable.
• They watch how opponents respond to corner setups and adapt quickly.

How coaches can teach power play concepts to newcomers

Start with the why. Explain how moving play to the corner changes removal angles and creates scoring lanes. Then show examples — use video clips if available — and finish with on-ice repetitions. Small wins matter: get them to land one draw behind a corner guard consistently before adding the pressure of a full end.

Myths and misconceptions about power play curling

Myth: power play always gives a bigger score. Not necessarily — it increases opportunity but also increases complexity and the chance of a big miss. Myth: it’s only for elite teams. I’ve seen club teams use it effectively after a few focused practices.

Where to learn more and see it in action

If you want the official rule and diagrams, the World Curling Federation site is authoritative and has diagrams and rule explanations. For plain-English background on curling rules and context, the Wikipedia curling page is helpful. And for UK-specific coverage and match highlights that often spark interest, check the BBC Sport curling hub.

Quick checklist: should you call a power play right now?

• Scoreboard risk: Are you behind enough to need multiple points?
• Team strengths: Do you have reliable draws and guard play today?
• Opponent weakness: Do they struggle with corner guards or takeouts?
• Practice: Have you practised the sequence this season?

If you answered yes to two or more, it’s worth considering. If you’re unsure, play safe and keep the end in the centre — you can always adjust later.

Next steps for players and club coaches

Try the drills above at your next practice. Record one or two ends with a power play and review shots together. If you’re a skip, create a simple call sheet for when to use the power play based on score and ends remaining. I believe in you on this one — once you understand the angles and practice a handful of times, the decision becomes intuitive.

Want a compact takeaway? Power play curling is a tactical option that trades simplicity for opportunity: it can win or lose an end depending on execution. Practice the specific skills — corner guards, precise draws, and adaptive strategy — and you’ll make better calls under pressure.