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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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.

Strategic Tips for Fantasy Curling

Sweep smarter with these insights:

• Prioritize Skips who make clutch final shots and convert hammer frequently.
• Understand how your league scores different shot types (e.g., double takeouts vs. simple hits).
• Value Leads with high draw accuracy – they set the tone for the end.
• Pay attention to major bonspiel schedules – players in more events have more scoring chances.
• Use the waiver wire strategically during major events to pick up hot players.
• Balance your roster across positions; don’t load up on Skips and neglect the front end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t hog the errors! Avoid these pitfalls:

• Not understanding hammer efficiency vs. steal efficiency scoring nuances.
• Overvaluing players based on one great tournament performance.
• Focusing solely on points scored and overlooking shot percentages.
• Forgetting to check if players are participating in upcoming events.
• Not checking lineups before each draw – teams sometimes rotate players.

Fantasy Curling Glossary

Know your curling terms:

Steal: Scoring one or more points in an end without having the hammer. Bonspiel: A curling tournament. 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. Takeout: A shot intended to remove an opponent’s stone from play. Hammer: The advantage of throwing the last stone in an end. Hog Line: The line by which a stone must be clearly released by the thrower.

Need Assistance?

Here’s how to get support:

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

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

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!