Strategies for Playing with the Hammer in Curling
Having the hammer, or last rock advantage, is a crucial element in curling that can significantly influence the outcome of the game. Effective strategies for maximizing this advantage are essential for teams aiming to control the game and secure points. Below are key strategies to consider when playing with the hammer.
General Principles
Control the Center
One of the primary objectives with the hammer is to keep the four-foot area in the center of the house open. This positioning allows the skip the option to draw to the center on their last shot, providing a reliable opportunity to score at least one point.
Play to the Sides
To maintain control of the center, it is often advantageous to place rocks on the sides of the sheet. By using corner guards, the hammer team can force the opponent into more challenging shots, while also expanding the scoring area and creating more options for themselves.
Aim for Two Points
The ideal outcome when holding the hammer is to score two or more points. This can be accomplished by splitting the house with well-placed stones, trading hits, or getting a counting rock behind a guard and drawing or hitting for the second point.
Responding to the Opponent's First Stone
Empty House
If the opponent's first stone is a hogged or missed shot, the hammer team has two main options:
- Aggressive: Throw a corner guard in the middle of the guard zone to establish control.
- Defensive: Draw a rock into the corner of the house, either on or just in front of the tee line to maintain a strong position.
Rock in the Four-Foot
When the opponent draws to the four-foot:
- Aggressive: The hammer team can respond by throwing a corner guard.
- Defensive: Hitting the opponent's rock out and aiming to roll to the side of the house is also a viable option.
Center Guard
This scenario is quite common. The hammer team can respond by:
- Aggressive: Throwing a corner guard to force the opponent to play to the sides.
- Defensive: Drawing to the side of the house while keeping the four-foot area open.
Draw Around the Guard
This tactic aims to get a counting rock behind the guard, though it carries risks of leaving the stone exposed if not executed properly.
Tick Shot
A tick shot moves the center guard to the side without removing it, making it more challenging for the opponent to steal points.
Late-End Strategies
Blanking Ends
In closely contested games, blanking an end (not scoring) can be beneficial. It allows the hammer team to retain the hammer for the next end, which can be especially advantageous if the opponent struggles to score without the hammer.
Splitting the House
Once the hammer team has an opportunity to score two or more points, it is generally more effective to split the house—placing rocks on opposite sides—rather than keeping them together. This strategy minimizes the risk of a double takeout by the opponent.
General Tips
Rocks Away From the Center Are Less Threatening
Focusing on controlling the center of the house is crucial. Rocks placed on the sides or deep in the back are unlikely to contribute to a steal.
Peel Guards Strategically
Peeling a guard can force the opponent to throw another, which may lead to a mistake. However, avoid "empty peels" that do not provide any tactical advantage.
Consider the Game Situation
Always adjust strategies based on the current score, the end being played, and the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Be prepared to play defensively if holding a significant lead, or adopt a more aggressive approach when trailing.
Exploiting Opponent Weaknesses
Force Opponents to Draw
If the opponents are not strong with their draw weight, strategically placing guards can force them into drawing around them, potentially leading to mistakes.
Target Weak Throwers
Avoid calling difficult shots for your own team members who may struggle with certain types of throws. Similarly, seek opportunities to force weaker opponents into making challenging shots.
By understanding these strategies and adapting them to the specific game situation, teams can effectively utilize the hammer to control the game and maximize their scoring potential.
