How does mixed doubles curling work?
I · Intermediate · Competition · 5 of 5A mixed doubles team is one man and one woman with no alternate. Before each end, each team has one stone placed, one in front of the house and one at its back. Each team then delivers five stones; the player who throws the first also throws the last. Games are 8 ends, and each team may use one power play.
How it works
- Team: one man and one woman; no alternates; both must play the whole game.
- Placed stones: one at position A, a guard; one at position B, the back of the 4-foot circle.
- Who chooses: the team that did not score in the last end.
- Delivery: five stones each; the first-stone player also throws the last.
- Order: the team with the guard at A throws first.
- Protection: no stone may be moved out of play before the fourth stone of the end.
- Power play: once per game, the placed stones move to the side; not in extra ends.
- Sweeping: either or both players may sweep.
The glossary has the mixed doubles curling, the positioned stones, the power play, the free guard zone, the sweeping and the hammer.
Tricky cases
Do the placed stones count in the score?
Yes. They count like any delivered stone.
A team throws a placed stone by mistake. What happens?
Its last delivered stone is removed. A second time in the same event forfeits the game.
Who decides placement after a blank end?
The team that threw first in that end, except after a blank from an equal measure, when the choice stays put.
Can the power play be used in an extra end?
No.
Why the rule exists
Placed stones put stones in play from the first throw, so every end is busy. The power play gives each team one chance to open the house for a big end.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed doubles | Five stones per team; two placed | WC R17 (d), (f) |
| Standard | Eight stones per team | WC R3 (a) |
| Wheelchair mixed doubles | No sweeping | WC R15 (b) |
From the rule book
World Curling, The Rules of Curling and Rules of Competition (1 September 2026), rules R15 and R17. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Curling's rules, reviewed every year.