What is the hammer in curling?

The hammer is the last-stone advantage. When tied, the team with hammer has ~60% win rate historically. Blanking the end keeps hammer.

Should you blank the end to keep hammer?

Often yes. Scoring 1 and losing hammer can be worse than blanking. Strategy depends on end number and score.

What are extra ends in curling?

When tied after 10 ends, sudden-death extra ends are played. Hammer typically alternates. First to score wins.

How does score differential affect win probability?

Being up 2+ with few ends left greatly increases win probability. Down 3+ with 2 ends left is very difficult to overcome.

What is the best strategy when down multiple points?

Force the opponent to take 1, or try to steal. Aggressive play may be needed when behind.

How is curling win probability calculated?

Models use historical data: hammer advantage (~60% when tied), score differential, ends remaining, and extra-end probability.

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WINTER SPORTSCurlingWinter Sports Calculator

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Curling Win Probability

Estimate win probability based on score, end, and hammer. Hammer ~60% when tied. Blank to keep hammer.

Concept Fundamentals

Last-stone advantage

Hammer

End strategy

Score differential

Win Probability

Game state

Blank vs score

Strategy

Keep hammer trade-off

End-by-end decisions

Application

Tactical analysis

CalculateUse the calculator below for ice and winter sports metrics

Why This Sport Matters

Why: Curling strategy hinges on hammer and score. Understanding win probability helps teams make better decisions.

How: Enter scores, current end, who has hammer. Model uses historical data for win probability.

●Hammer ~60% when tied.
●Blank to keep hammer often better than 1.
●Extra ends: sudden death.

Sources:World Curling Federation

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