Questions and answers

Your Fantasy Curling Questions Answered: On the Button!

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: 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: 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 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 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: 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 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.
• Consider players on teams known for aggressive strategies if you need steal points.
• Monitor shot percentages throughout the season, not just points scored.
• Use the waiver wire strategically during major events to pick up hot players.
• Look for Thirds who excel at difficult takeout shots and setups.
• Value Leads with high draw accuracy – they set the tone for the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t hog the errors! Avoid these pitfalls:

• Not checking lineups before each draw – teams sometimes rotate players.
• Drafting only famous Skips without considering their supporting cast or recent form.
• Ignoring the consistency of Leads and Seconds.
• Forgetting to check if players are participating in upcoming events.
• Neglecting the waiver wire during key tournaments.

Fantasy Curling Glossary

Know your curling terms:

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. Bonspiel: A curling tournament. Steal: Scoring one or more points in an end without having the hammer. Button: The center circle of the house. 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.

Need Assistance?

Here’s how to get support:

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

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

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

Still Have Questions?

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