Questions and answers

Essential Fantasy Curling Questions Answered

Got questions about fantasy curling? Hurry hard to the right place! Below are clear answers on scoring, drafting, strategy, and more. Let us help you slide your way to a fantasy championship.

Frequently Asked Questions

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: 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: 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 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 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: 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 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:

• Value Leads with high draw accuracy – they set the tone for the end.
• Consider players on teams known for aggressive strategies if you need steal points.
• Look for Thirds who excel at difficult takeout shots and setups.
• Check ice conditions reports if available; some players excel on specific ice types.
• Use the waiver wire strategically during major events to pick up hot players.
• Pay attention to major bonspiel schedules – players in more events have more scoring chances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t hog the errors! Avoid these pitfalls:

• Overvaluing players based on one great tournament performance.
• Not checking lineups before each draw – teams sometimes rotate players.
• Holding onto underperforming players based on reputation alone.
• Forgetting to check if players are participating in upcoming events.
• Not understanding hammer efficiency vs. steal efficiency scoring nuances.

Fantasy Curling Glossary

Know your curling terms:

Draw: A shot intended to come to rest in a specific location, often the house. Hog Line: The line by which a stone must be clearly released by the thrower. Hammer: The advantage of throwing the last stone in an end. Button: The center circle of the house. Takeout: A shot intended to remove an opponent’s stone from play. Weight: The amount of force/speed given to a thrown stone. House: The series of concentric circles at each end of the sheet where points are scored.

Need Assistance?

Here’s how to get support:

Community Broomstack: Chat with fellow fantasy curling managers, discuss strategy, and ask questions.

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

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

Still Have Questions?

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