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Understanding the basics of curling

The mechanics of curling, a Winter Olympic sport, are broken down by the Ask Me Anything team.

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing saw Team GB secure a total of two medals, both of which were won in the sport of curling, a discipline in which the team has consistently performed well.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approach, the 10 Scottish athletes competing for Team GB are once again considered strong contenders for medals, with their expertise in curling likely to be a key factor in their success.

To better understand the sport, it's essential to grasp the basic principles of curling, a game that requires a combination of skill, strategy, and physical ability.

The fundamentals of curling involve two teams taking turns to slide heavy stones, weighing around 20kg, down a sheet of ice towards a target, with two players using brooms to sweep the ice and control the stone's trajectory.

Curling is often referred to as "chess on ice" due to its complex tactical nature, but it can also be likened to "bowls on ice" due to the similarities in the gameplay.

At the Olympic level, curling competitions are divided into men's, women's, and mixed events, each with its unique rules and requirements.

The men's and women's events feature teams of four, while the mixed event consists of teams of two, with slightly modified rules to accommodate the smaller team size.

We invite you to submit your questions about curling, and we will do our best to provide detailed explanations.

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Winter Olympics Explained: Curling is a comprehensive guide to understanding the sport, its rules, and its intricacies.

The ultimate objective in curling is to get more of your team's stones closer to the center of the target, known as the "house" or "button," than your opponents' stones over the course of a match that typically lasts around two hours.

There are three primary types of shots in curling: the guard, draw, and take-out, each serving a distinct purpose in the game.

A guard shot is played to the front of the house to protect other stones and block opponents' shots.

A draw shot is intended to reach the house and potentially score points for the team.

A take-out shot is a more powerful throw aimed at knocking an opponent's stone out of play.

Men's and women's curling matches at the Olympics consist of 10 rounds, or "ends," with only one team able to score points in each end, determined by which team has its stone closest to the button after all players have thrown their stones.

If a team has multiple stones closer to the button than their opponents, they score multiple points; however, if no stones are in the house, the end is considered a "blank," and neither team scores.

The mixed doubles event has a slightly different format, with each team throwing five stones per end and having one stone already placed in the house at the start of the end.

In this scenario, the team with the yellow stones would score one point, while the team with the red stones would score none.

Each curling team consists of four players, with a lead, second, third, and fourth player, who throw their stones in that order, alternating with their opponents.

The team with the "hammer" throws the final stone, which is usually the decisive shot; the hammer is determined by a last-stone draw before the match, where each team slides two stones to the house, and the team with the stone closest to the button wins the hammer.

When a team scores, the hammer is passed to the opposing team for the next end, which can lead teams to strategically choose not to score in a particular end in order to retain the hammer.

This tactical decision is made by the skip, who is the team captain and directs the gameplay, typically playing the fourth position, although in the GB women's team, Sophie Jackson plays the lead position.

Each team also has a designated alternate player who can replace an injured team member and plays a crucial role in preparations.

The mixed doubles event has a unique format, with one male and one female player in each team.

The ice surface is "pebbled" to reduce friction, allowing the stone to glide smoothly.

Players release the stone in a way that makes it curl, or curve, in a specific direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise, to control its trajectory.

Sweeping the ice with brooms warms the surface, reducing friction and allowing the stone to travel farther or straighten its path, depending on the desired outcome.

Top teams often have two or three elite sweepers, who are typically physically fit and have a distinct athletic profile, differing from that of the skip, who does not sweep.

In fact, sports scientists have compared the physical demands of sweepers to those of 400m runners, highlighting the unique requirements of the role.

There are several reasons why Scotland has produced a disproportionate number of top curling athletes.

One factor is the sport's long history and cultural significance in Scotland, where it has been played for generations, with some schools even including it in their curriculum.

The south-west of Scotland is particularly notable for its strong curling tradition, with six of the 10 Team GB curlers having links to the area, and the sport's social connections have created a large and close-knit curling community.

Access to ice rinks is another crucial factor, with Scotland having more rinks than any other part of the UK, including the world-class National Curling Academy in Stirling.

The investment in the National Curling Academy is substantial, providing Team GB athletes with access to top-notch facilities, coaching, and support services.

In mixed doubles curling, teams have the option to use a "power play" once per game, which allows them to position stones in a way that could potentially score multiple points in an end.

Typically, two stones are placed on the ice before an end, but the power play enables a team to position their stone in a more strategic location, potentially allowing them to score multiple points.

When a team uses the power play, they can place their "in-house" stone on the tee line, with half the stone in the eight-foot circle and the other half in the 12-foot circle.

The opponent's guard stone is then placed to the side of the sheet, in line with the in-house stone, creating a strategic opportunity for the team using the power play.

A team must have the hammer to use the power play, and it cannot be used in extra ends, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.

A query from Alfie in Dorset prompted this inquiry.

The BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team has produced this latest piece.

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Document allegedly shows Andrew provided UK briefing on Epstein’s Afghan investments

A briefing that outlines “high value commercial opportunities” in Helmand province is contained within the Epstein files.

A document allegedly sent by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Jeffrey Epstein contains details about investment prospects in Afghanistan, specifically regarding gold and uranium.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, head and shoulder picture, giving a speech in 2010 — The former Prince Andrew travelled the world as the UK's trade envoy

UK officials had prepared a briefing for Andrew, then a trade envoy, which he later forwarded to Epstein in December 2010; the document outlines "high value commercial opportunities" in Helmand province.

This revelation follows a BBC report that Andrew had labeled the document "confidential" in an email, as seen in the latest release of Epstein files.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein, and has rejected suggestions that he used his position as trade envoy for personal gain.

Attempts have been made to obtain a comment from Andrew regarding these developments.

Sir Vince Cable, the business secretary at the time, has described Andrew's sharing of the briefing as "appalling behaviour".

Thames Valley Police are currently assessing whether to launch an investigation into the apparent sharing of documents related to Andrew's tenure as trade envoy.

In addition to the Afghan document, emails in the Epstein files suggest that Andrew also sent official reports from his trade envoy visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam to Epstein.

The emails indicate that Andrew may have shared further trade documents with Epstein, including a batch of files labeled "Overseas bids" sent immediately after the reports from his South East Asia visits.

These files are likely "Zip files" containing multiple pieces of compressed information.

The Afghan document, compiled by UK government officials for Andrew, provides an in-depth overview of investment opportunities in Helmand province during a time of significant UK military and political involvement in Afghanistan.

As noted by Andrew in his correspondence with Epstein, the document is a "confidential brief" prepared by the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand Province.

The briefing was prepared for Andrew during the same month he visited Helmand, where he met with UK troops.

It offers an assessment of the local economy and business opportunities, including the presence of "significant high value mineral deposits" and the potential for low-cost extraction.

The document highlights valuable natural resources such as marble, gold, iridium, uranium, and thorium, as well as potential oil and gas deposits, based on information gathered by UK government officials working on the Helmand reconstruction team.

According to official guidelines, trade envoys are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial or political information related to their official visits.

Sir Vince Cable has called for greater transparency regarding Andrew's activities as trade envoy, citing his own unsuccessful attempts to access Andrew's file, which he found to be empty.

Sir Vince, who played a key role in ending Andrew's tenure as trade envoy, has expressed concerns about Andrew's actions during his time in the position.

A snippet of the briefing which begins Helmand: High Value Commercial Opportunities for Foreign Investment and says Brief for HRH Duke of York: 19 December 2010

"I have twice requested to see Andrew's file from his time as trade envoy, but it is empty," Sir Vince stated.

He recalled meeting Andrew once at Buckingham Palace, where Andrew asked him to find a useful role for him, but Sir Vince declined.

Following the first public reports about Andrew's friendship with Epstein in 2011, Sir Vince decided to discontinue Andrew's role as trade envoy.

The primary function of a trade envoy is to promote UK business interests abroad and encourage investment.

A diplomatic source, speaking anonymously, suggested that a trade envoy like Andrew might have shared information with potential investors to support UK business initiatives, potentially including those in Afghanistan.

Andrew's note to Epstein mentions his intention to "offer this elsewhere in my network, including Abu Dhabi".

A former senior trade official noted that while many reports seen by a trade envoy might be routine, some meetings could produce significant commercial opportunities.

"It's possible that the documents contained important commercial information that would have been useful," the former official said.

However, the official emphasized that such documents were not intended for sharing outside of government, particularly not with individuals who might use them for personal gain.

Andrew continues to face scrutiny over his links to Epstein, following the release of new documents by the US government, including photographs of Andrew with a woman.

He is under increasing pressure to testify in the US about his connections to Epstein and has recently relocated from his Windsor home to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the King is prepared to support the police as they consider allegations against Andrew.

To receive the latest royal news and analysis, sign up for the Royal Watch newsletter; those outside the UK can sign up using a separate link.

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BBC reports from Tehran as Iran commemorates Islamic revolution anniversary

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Iran's government has staged a display of strength to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, following a period of intense repression of anti-government demonstrations.

The BBC has gained access to Tehran for the first time since the authorities' crackdown on protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 6,490 people, according to estimates by human rights activists.

Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, observes that the capital's streets, adorned with festive decorations and filled with crowds of supporters, reflect the government's desired image of a unified nation, with Iranians demonstrating their allegiance to the Islamic Republic and its founding revolution.

Business

Over 180 survivors participate in Harrods abuse compensation scheme

Allegations of sexual harassment have been made against the late Mohamed Al Fayed, stemming from his tenure as owner.

Over 180 individuals who suffered abuse at the hands of Mohammed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, are presently participating in the company's compensation program, according to the retailer.

A close-up picture of Mohammed al Fayed.

To date, more than 50 women have received compensation payments from the luxury department store.

Launched in March of the previous year, the compensation scheme will no longer accept new submissions after March 31.

In October, Harrods allocated over £60 million for its compensation plan, which aims to provide support to victims of alleged historical abuse.

The scheme offers a standard award of £200,000 to eligible claimants; however, those who undergo an assessment by a consultant psychiatrist may be eligible to receive up to £385,000 in compensation, in addition to treatment costs.

Claimants who opt not to undergo a psychiatric assessment will receive lower compensation amounts.

Applications received by the March 31 deadline will continue to be processed thereafter.

Additionally, Harrods will continue to provide counseling support beyond the deadline, including services from the Independent Survivor Advocate.

In 2024, human rights advocate Dame Jasvinder Sanghera was appointed by Harrods to the role of Independent Survivor Advocate, with the goal of meeting with as many survivors as possible and guiding them through the compensation process.

Justice for Harrods Survivors, an organization representing some of the victims, has stated that only a fully independent process can adequately address the needs of survivors.

Mohammed Al Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985 to 2010, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by multiple women, with 146 individuals coming forward to report crimes to the Met Police as part of their investigation.

The Harrods Group operates several locations, including its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London, as well as smaller stores at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and a chain of beauty stores.

KP Law, which represents over 260 survivors, has expressed criticism of the Redress Scheme, citing concerns that Harrods maintains full control over the process.

Tom Fletcher, a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, which supports some of the victims, has expressed satisfaction with the settlements secured for some of the firm's clients through the scheme.

According to Tom Fletcher, "Although no amount of compensation can fully compensate for the abuse our clients experienced, the amounts recovered under the scheme acknowledge the severity of the abuse and provide our clients with the necessary funds to access specialized support, enabling them to move forward with their lives."