Best Books on Curling, in Reading Order
This curriculum takes a complete beginner from the basic rules and culture of curling all the way through elite-level strategy, ice science, and shot-making craft. Each stage builds on the last — you'll first absorb the language and love of the game, then master physical technique, then develop the tactical and mental depth that separates good curlers from great ones.
Welcome to the Roaring Game
BeginnerUnderstand what curling is, how the game is structured, its rich culture and traditions, and the basic vocabulary needed to follow and discuss it intelligently.
▸ Study plan for this stage
Pace: 4–5 weeks, ~25–30 pages/day (approximately 150–180 pages total)
- The origins and evolution of curling from 16th-century Scotland to the modern era
- The fundamental structure of the game: teams, roles, scoring, and the path to victory
- The physics and mechanics of stone delivery, sweeping, and ice conditions
- The cultural significance of curling as a community-centered sport with strong social traditions
- Key terminology and vocabulary essential for understanding curling discussion (house, hack, skip, draw, takeout, etc.)
- The strategic elements that make curling unique among team sports
- How curling has spread globally and adapted across different regions and cultures
- What are the historical origins of curling, and how did it develop from its Scottish roots into a modern sport?
- How is a curling game structured in terms of teams, positions, and scoring?
- What is the role of each team member (skip, third, second, lead), and what makes their positions distinct?
- How do the physics of stone delivery and sweeping affect the outcome of a shot?
- What are the major cultural traditions and social values associated with curling?
- What does the vocabulary of curling (house, hack, draw, takeout, guard, etc.) mean, and how is it used in game discussion?
- Create a glossary of at least 20 curling terms from the book, with definitions and example usage in sentences
- Draw a labeled diagram of a curling sheet and house, identifying all key zones and their measurements
- Watch a short curling match (5–10 minutes) and narrate it using the terminology and concepts from the book
- Write a one-page summary of how curling evolved from its 16th-century origins to the present day
- Sketch the four team positions and describe the strategic responsibilities of each role in 2–3 sentences per position
- Research and compare curling traditions in two different countries or regions mentioned in the book, noting similarities and differences
Next up: This foundational stage equips you with the historical context, game structure, vocabulary, and cultural appreciation necessary to move into the next stage, where you'll deepen your understanding of competitive strategy, advanced techniques, and the modern professional curling landscape.
The definitive cultural and historical introduction to curling, written by Scotland's foremost curling historian. Reading this first gives you the 'why' behind the sport's traditions, etiquette, and language before you ever step on the ice.
Hansen, a long-time Curling Canada official, lays out the rules, positions, scoring, and basic flow of a game in plain language — the perfect companion after the history to make the sport immediately playable and watchable.
Strategy, Shot Calling & Team Dynamics
IntermediateMaster the strategic layer of curling — end planning, force vs. steal decisions, last-rock advantage, and how a skip communicates and leads a team.
The 'Wrench,' one of the most tactically brilliant skips in history, lays out his philosophy of aggressive, percentage-based strategy — a must-read for anyone wanting to think like a skip and call better shots.
Discussion
Keep reading
Paths that share books, cover the same subject, or open a related topic.
