Questions and answers

Fantasy Curling Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

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: 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 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 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 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 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’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 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 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.

Strategic Tips for Fantasy Curling

Sweep smarter with these insights:

• Consider players on teams known for aggressive strategies if you need steal points.
• Use the waiver wire strategically during major events to pick up hot players.
• Look for Thirds who excel at difficult takeout shots and setups.
• Understand how your league scores different shot types (e.g., double takeouts vs. simple hits).
• Monitor shot percentages throughout the season, not just points scored.
• 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:

• Ignoring the consistency of Leads and Seconds.
• Not understanding hammer efficiency vs. steal efficiency scoring nuances.
• Overvaluing players based on one great tournament performance.
• Holding onto underperforming players based on reputation alone.
• Failing to adjust strategy based on bonspiel format (e.g., round robin vs. bracket play).

Fantasy Curling Glossary

Know your curling terms:

Hog Line: The line by which a stone must be clearly released by the thrower. Blank End: An end in which no points are scored by either team. Takeout: A shot intended to remove an opponent’s stone from play. Hammer: The advantage of throwing the last stone in an end. Bonspiel: A curling tournament. 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:

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

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).

Still Have Questions?

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