Curling doesn't use "innings"—it uses "ends," which work like innings in baseball. A standard game typically lasts 8 to 10 ends, with each team throwing 8 stones per end (16 total stones alternating between teams).

Core Rules

Curling matches unfold over these ends , where teams slide granite stones toward a target called the "house" on ice. After all stones are thrown, only one team scores points for stones closer to the center (button) than the opponent's nearest stone. Games can go longer with extra ends if tied, especially in high-stakes play like the Olympics.

  • Standard recreational/league games: 8 ends (about 2 hours).
  • Official competitions/major events: 10 ends.
  • Mixed doubles (Olympic format): 8 ends.

Why the Variation?

Clubs and casual games often stick to 8 ends for time efficiency, while pro tournaments like those at the 2026 Winter Olympics extend to 10 for men's/women's teams. Picture it like baseball: shorter spring training vs. full World Series games—same strategy, different length. Mixed doubles keeps it snappy at 8 to fit doubles' faster pace.

"A game consists of 8 to 10 'ends' (similar to baseball innings)."

Scoring Snapshot

Format| Ends| Time Limit (per team)| Notes
---|---|---|---
Recreational| 8| Varies by club| Common in learn-to-curl sessions 9
Men's/Women's Standard| 10| 38 minutes| Olympics/majors; extras if tied 37
Mixed Doubles| 8| 22 minutes| Faster, doubles teams 3

This setup keeps curling strategic and accessible—imagine the tension as skips call shots to guard or steal ends! No recent rule changes as of February 2026; ends remain the global standard.

TL;DR: 8-10 ends per game, not innings—10 for pro, 8 for casual/mixed.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.