Questions and answers

Fantasy Curling Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the nuances of fantasy curling is key to sweeping the competition. We’ve compiled the most important questions from the fantasy curling community and provided expert answers. Need more? Our support team is always in the hack, ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 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: What is the waiver wire in fantasy curling? A: Players not drafted or dropped are on the waiver wire. You can claim these players, usually based on waiver priority or a bidding system (FAAB), to replace underperformers or injured players on your roster.

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.

Q: How important is a player’s actual team success? A: It’s quite important. Players on winning teams generally have more opportunities to score points, make high-pressure shots, and play in more games during major events. However, a great player on a weaker team can still put up good fantasy numbers.

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: 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: 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.

Strategic Tips for Fantasy Curling

Sweep smarter with these insights:

• Balance your roster across positions; don’t load up on Skips and neglect the front end.
• Use the waiver wire strategically during major events to pick up hot players.
• Check ice conditions reports if available; some players excel on specific ice types.
• Prioritize Skips who make clutch final shots and convert hammer frequently.
• Pay attention to major bonspiel schedules – players in more events have more scoring chances.
• Look for Thirds who excel at difficult takeout shots and setups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t hog the errors! Avoid these pitfalls:

• Not checking lineups before each draw – teams sometimes rotate players.
• Not understanding hammer efficiency vs. steal efficiency scoring nuances.
• Holding onto underperforming players based on reputation alone.
• Neglecting the waiver wire during key tournaments.
• Overvaluing players based on one great tournament performance.

Fantasy Curling Glossary

Know your curling terms:

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. Draw: A shot intended to come to rest in a specific location, often the house. Weight: The amount of force/speed given to a thrown stone. Steal: Scoring one or more points in an end without having the hammer. 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:

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

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

Email Support: Contact our team for detailed questions (responses typically 24-48 hours).

Still Have Questions?

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