The hammer belongs to an end
World Curling’s rules effective 1 September 2026 define the hammer as the final stone delivered in an end. Rule R5 keeps the initial delivery order until a team scores, after which the team that most recently scored delivers first in the following end. In the four-player game, a blank end therefore preserves the existing order.
Last-stone advantage is an end-specific condition. It is not a point already added to the scoreboard or a guarantee that the team will score. A graphic can mark one team with the hammer while the other leads the overall game. Those labels describe different aspects of the current position.
A blank changes the end count without changing the score
Imagine A leads three to two and B has the hammer. The next end is blank: neither team scores. The game remains three to two, while another end has been completed and B retains the delivery order that gives it the final stone in the following end.
The scoreboard’s unchanged total does not mean nothing occurred or that the recording repeated the same end. The completed-end count has advanced. A useful note keeps score, end number and hammer holder as separate fields. Any one of those can change without all three changing together.
Scoring can transfer the next-end advantage
Now imagine B scores two in the next end. B moves ahead four to three. Under the stated delivery rule, B delivers first in the following end and A has the last stone. The team that just improved its game score need not retain the hammer as well.
This explains why commentary can discuss accepting or avoiding a single point. The immediate scoreboard gain and the next end’s delivery order are different considerations. This guide explains the relationship; it does not prescribe which shot a team should choose or claim that blanking always produces a better eventual outcome.
Keep the four-player scope visible
World Curling publishes additional rules for mixed doubles, including its positioned stones and a separate placement-decision procedure. Those details should not be replaced with a universal slogan copied from a four-player match. This page’s worked ledger is specifically for the ordinary four-player delivery order.
For a replay, retain the event format before applying the example. If a result caption says only “curling”, look for whether it is a four-player team game or mixed doubles before explaining the hammer after a blank. A correct explanation names its format, then follows the end’s score and the applicable next-end rule. That provides enough context to understand a zero on the end-by-end line without treating it as a forfeited match or a permanent loss of the scoring opportunity.
Questions answered
Does a blank end add a point to either team?
No. Neither team scores in that end.
Does scoring in the four-player game keep the same team delivering last next end?
No. The team that most recently scored delivers first in the following end.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.