In the high-stakes environment of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the “Power Play” has emerged as a critical tactical tool, particularly as Canadian duo Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant navigate a challenging mixed doubles round robin. While traditional curling relies on stones placed on the centre line, the power play completely alters the geometry of the house to favour the offensive team.
What is a Power Play?
Exclusive to the mixed doubles discipline, a power play is a strategic option that allows the team with the “hammer” (the last stone advantage) to dictate the placement of the pre-positioned stones at the start of an end. Under standard rules, one stone is placed as a centre guard and another is placed at the back of the four-foot circle on the centre line. When a power play is called, these stones are moved to either the left or right side of the sheet.
The specific configuration during a power play includes:
- The Guard: Moved from the centre to become a “corner guard.”
- The House Stone: Moved to a position behind that corner guard, typically with the back edge of the stone touching the tee line.
Key Rules and Limitations
As of the current 2026 Olympic cycle, the following rules govern the use of the power play:
- Once Per Game: Each team may elect to use their power play only once during a regulation game (8 ends).
- The Hammer Requirement: A team can only call a power play when they have the decision on the placement of the stones (the hammer).
- No Extra Ends: The power play cannot be utilized during tie-breaking extra ends.
- Timing: The decision to use the power play must be communicated to the officials and the opposing team before the end begins.
Strategic Impact at Milano Cortina 2026
The power play is designed to “open up” the middle of the sheet, making it significantly harder for the defending team to clutter the centre with guards. This creates a clearer path to the button and often leads to multiple-point ends.
During the current Games in Cortina, the power play has been a double-edged sword for Team Canada. In their February 6 match against the United States, Canada invoked the power play in the sixth end to try and overcome a deficit, though they ultimately fell 7-5. Conversely, in their February 7 clash against Great Britain’s Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat, Canada attempted a high-risk “runback-double” during a fourth-end power play that narrowly missed scoring five points, highlighting the “all-or-nothing” nature of the tactic in elite competition.
As the mixed doubles tournament heads toward the playoffs, the timing of the power play remains the most debated decision for coaches and players alike, often serving as the final opportunity to swing momentum in a tight Olympic match.