Questions and answers

Master Fantasy Curling: Common Questions & Expert Strategy

Welcome to the house! This FAQ covers everything for Fantasy Curling. Whether you’re throwing your first virtual stone or you’re a seasoned strategist, we’ve got the answers. Our experts tackle the common questions to help you build a winning fantasy rink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get started with fantasy curling? A: It’s easy! Sign up, join a league, and get ready for your draft. You’ll draft individual curlers to fill positions: Lead, Second, Third (Vice-Skip), and Skip. Check out our mock drafts and player rankings to understand player values before you start.

Q: How do blank ends affect scoring? A: Generally, blank ends result in zero points scored for fantasy purposes, but check your league rules. Some leagues might penalize skips for blanking excessively, while others see it purely as a strategic move that doesn’t impact fantasy scores directly.

Q: How does scoring work in fantasy curling? A: Scoring typically rewards points for successful shots (draws close to the button, hit-and-rolls, doubles/triples), high shot percentages, points scored in an end (more for steals than with hammer), ends won, and game wins. Negative points might apply for major misses or burned stones. Check your league’s specific settings for details.

Q: What are the fantasy positions and how do they differ? A: Positions mirror a real curling team: Lead (sets up the end, high draw weight focus), Second (clearing guards, setting up), Third/Vice (key setup shots, strategy input, often high difficulty shots), and Skip (calls strategy, throws last stones, high pressure shots). Skips and Thirds generally score more due to shot difficulty and importance, but consistent Leads/Seconds are valuable.

Q: How do I manage my roster during a bonspiel/season? A: You’ll typically set your lineup before each game or draw. Use the waiver wire to pick up players who are performing well or whose teams have favorable matchups. Trades can help balance your roster if you’re weak at a certain position.

Q: Are there points for sweeping? A: Some advanced leagues might incorporate metrics related to sweeping effectiveness (e.g., judging weight, keeping stones straight), but most standard leagues focus scoring on the thrower’s actions and the end result (points scored, shot success).

Q: What stats should I focus on for different positions? A: For Skips/Thirds: Shot percentage (especially on difficult shots like doubles/takeouts), points scored, hammer conversion, steal efficiency. For Leads/Seconds: Draw shot percentage, guard placement accuracy, overall team plus/minus when they are playing.

Q: What’s the best draft strategy? A: Often, drafting elite Skips and Thirds early is wise due to their impact on scoring ends and making clutch shots. Don’t neglect Leads/Seconds known for high draw percentages or sweeping prowess if your league rewards those stats. Consider the strength of the player’s actual team.

Strategic Tips for Fantasy Curling

Sweep smarter with these insights:

• Consider players on teams known for aggressive strategies if you need steal points.
• Use the waiver wire strategically during major events to pick up hot players.
• Value Leads with high draw accuracy – they set the tone for the end.
• Look for Thirds who excel at difficult takeout shots and setups.
• Understand how your league scores different shot types (e.g., double takeouts vs. simple hits).
• Check ice conditions reports if available; some players excel on specific ice types.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t hog the errors! Avoid these pitfalls:

• Not checking lineups before each draw – teams sometimes rotate players.
• Drafting only famous Skips without considering their supporting cast or recent form.
• Overvaluing players based on one great tournament performance.
• Holding onto underperforming players based on reputation alone.
• Ignoring the consistency of Leads and Seconds.

Fantasy Curling Glossary

Know your curling terms:

Draw: A shot intended to come to rest in a specific location, often the house. Takeout: A shot intended to remove an opponent’s stone from play. Button: The center circle of the house. Hog Line: The line by which a stone must be clearly released by the thrower. Blank End: An end in which no points are scored by either team. House: The series of concentric circles at each end of the sheet where points are scored. Bonspiel: A curling tournament.

Need Assistance?

Here’s how to get support:

Community Broomstack: Chat with fellow fantasy curling managers, discuss strategy, and ask questions.

Help Sheet (In-App): Find FAQs, rule explanations, and scoring breakdowns.

Live Chat (During Majors): Get real-time support during major bonspiels.

Still Have Questions?

Our support resources and community are here to help you navigate the fantasy curling season. Good curling!