How much thinking time is there in wheelchair curling?
I · Intermediate · The game · 2 of 3Each team has 38 minutes of thinking time plus 6 for each extra end; its clock stops when its stone reaches the hog line. A late start costs 4 minutes 45 seconds per end counted as played. A technical time-out for a chair or stick fault may last 10 minutes. The last stone draw decides who has the hammer.
How it works
- Thinking time: 38 minutes.
- Extra end: 6 minutes.
- Clock stops: at the hog line.
- Late start: 4 minutes 45 seconds per end.
- Technical time-out: 10 minutes at most.
- Cannot resume: forfeit.
- Last stone draw: decides the first hammer.
- One gender on the ice: maximum distance.
The glossary has the thinking time, the delay in starting, the technical time-out, the last stone draw in wheelchair curling, the stone in play (wheelchair) and the target device.
Tricky cases
Why stop the clock at the hog line?
The stone is in play there in wheelchair curling.
How long is a technical time-out in other curling?
5 minutes.
Can a delivery stick be the target?
No. Only a brush.
What is the mixed doubles thinking time?
26 minutes.
Why the rule exists
Wheelchair equipment can fail, so the technical time-out is twice the usual length.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair | 38 minutes | R C6 |
| Mixed doubles | 26 minutes | R C6 |
| Time-out | 10 minutes | WCP |
From the rule book
World Curling, The Rules of Curling and Rules of Competition (1 September 2026), rules C6 and C8, with World Curling, Competition Policy & Procedure Manual (August 2026), Wheelchair Curling Policy. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: World Curling Rules, Wheelchair Curling Policy and Classification Rules.