 Scenario: 3'rd rocks. Blue wants to score at least 2. Blue has hammer. Since Blue is lying one, they want to draw play away from their guarded rock (even if it is guarded by the Red). The Blue could have been brushed further back as long as it is shot over the Red. By brushing the Blue rock further back, Blue may want to "pick" the Red later if it limits Blue's multiple scoring. Red will probably hit the far Blue with 3'rd rocks. Red MUST keep a rock in the house to limit Blue's multiple scoring so would not attempt Red onto Blue at this stage with chance of dumping their own rock with the blue rock. If Blue ends up with 2 rocks in the house by 4'th rocks, Red still can hit their Red onto Blue and lie 2 in the house cutting Blue to one (but they have to make the shot and stick). By the third hit on the first "away" Blue, Red can even throw the double because the rocks have progressed up (backward) to the 12'. Do not memorize this strategy. SEE: Advanced Strategy. Why? By splitting the house too early (you do not have #1 rock guarded), you limit your scoring opportunity to 2 with hammer because your next shooter may not hit and stay leaving the opposition a chance to attack your #1 rock and steal or minimize your scoring to 1 point. Splitting the house is usually a good strategy with third rocks. If you can continue to bury or place good guards with second rocks, you will likely make 2 or more this end. Do not split the house too soon as it may burn you as the end progresses IF your team does not hit as accurately as the opposition teams' shooters. |
 The FREEZE. The freeze minimizes the chance of the opposition removing your stone providing a much needed scoring opportunity OR to minimize his scoring ability if you have no other rocks in the house and do not have last rock. Scenario: Red is down 2 or more nearing the end of the game. As skills improve, expect to play the freeze several times a game in situations where you want to generate offense. The freeze is an aggressive offensive maneuver. It can come back to bite you if you tap and roll such that the opposition can hit and stick with another rock in the house. Then again, another rock will give you further backing and you must STICK a rock in the house to minimize opponent's scoring ability or to steal. A freeze can be made anywhere in the house but try to get a first or second "shot stone" freeze. This action will require the opposition to take an action that may lead to a missed shot. |
