Curling skips strategy

YOU HAVE THE HAMMER

Try to score more than one point.

 You will be throwing the very last rock of the end. 

Try for a simple draw to the house without any stone in the way.

The lead's  shots should be on the side of the house, either in or just in front. Later, you can draw some shots behind those guards to try to score more than one point. Otherwise the opponent will simply try to remove your shots.

If the opponent places rocks on the center line, get rid of them, or replace them your own that can be raised later. 

Keep the center of the ice free for your last shot.
Blank the end if there are no stones in the house or take out a single opposition stone in the house.

OPPONENTS HAVE THE HAMMER

Try to steal one or more points, or allow your opponent to score only one point.

The best way to steal a point is to be able to curl a stone behind some guards. 

Position the leads stones on the center line about 4 to 8 feet in front of the house. 

Come around it the center guard and placing your second's stone on the button. 

Skips stones guard if you are shot or good second shot. If the opposition is first shot, consider a freeze to limit the damage or a guard to keep them from scoring two.