Question: In what sport do competitors soop the ice and throw stones at houses?
Show answer
Curling.
The sport in which competitors soop the ice and throw stones at houses is curling, a unique and strategic ice sport that has gained widespread popularity, especially in countries like Canada, Scotland, and Sweden. Originating in medieval Scotland, curling involves two teams of four players each, who take turns sliding polished granite stones, also known as rocks, across a sheet of ice towards a target area that is segmented into four concentric circles, known as the house.
The primary objective in curling is to accumulate the highest score by positioning the stones as close as possible to the center of the house, which is called the button. After all the stones are thrown in one round, known as an end, the team with the stone closest to the button earns points. This team scores one point for each of its stones lying closer to the button than the opponent’s closest stone.
One of the most distinctive features of curling is the act of “sooping”, or sweeping, the ice. Players use special brooms to sweep the ice in the path of the sliding stone. Sweeping reduces the ice’s friction and helps to maintain the stone’s speed, while also influencing its direction or curl. Strategic sweeping can significantly alter the stone’s trajectory and is a critical aspect of team tactics.
Each game usually consists of ten ends, making strategy and endurance key components of successful play. Teams must decide the best placement of their stones, taking into account potential defensive and offensive moves, similar to chess but on ice. The skip, who is the team captain, not only throws the last two stones of each end but also directs the gameplay, calling shots and strategies.
Curling is also noted for its spirit of sportsmanship, often referred to as the “Spirit of Curling,” which emphasizes honesty, fair play, and courtesy. An example of this is the tradition that the winning team buys the losing team a round of drinks, usually in the “warm room” where players watch other games and socialize.
