January 16, 2015. Nuevo Vallarta, Mex. Curling.

The game moves at glacial speed. First the players try to figure out what they want to do. Next they must execute the shot. The options to the players are unlimited, which is one of the aspects of the sport that is interesting to the spectators. We watch only expert curlers so we expect to have the players execute the shot they are attempting. Doreen and Don were curlers and they tell us how difficult the shots are being made by these top drawer curlers. Technique matters in curling but the cerebral part is just as important, which is why we like it. Tonight we are watching a Skins Tournament being played in Banff, Alberta. Only top players are there so we are looking at experts. They are making their shots, most of the time. But it is difficult for the players as the Skins Game only developed in 2008 so the players are not used to the format. As it is in golf, each end is a game by itself and you win money or not for each end. The players are used to catching up in order to win the game, but in the Skins Games, there is no catching up. All you can do is win the next end in order to make some money. Canadians are the best curlers in the world. Players from around the world come to Canada to train and compete against the Canadians. Just since we have been paying attention and watching curling, the quality of the play has gone up. It has been fun to watch. This tournament is being held so the Canadians can get used to the format. Up until now, they have played very little Skins curling. The scoring is complicated too. I hope the announcer tells us sooner or later but don't count on it. They assume you know all about it!!