What is a curling power play? What is the hammer? How many ends? Who's on the U.S. team, and will their stone-cold strategy end the medal drought?

When the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games come around every four years, there are many sports which compete to grab the attention of viewers around the world. However, there is one in particular that seems to capture the hearts and minds of many every time: curling.

Here's everything you need to know about curling ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, including the rules, regulations and what to watch for.

Other curling matches set for Wednesday include Estonia vs. Switzerland, Great Britain vs. Norway, and Sweden vs. South Korea. All contests will be streamed on Peacock. Time: 1:05 p.m. ET

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where hockey and snowboarding events will open ahead of the opening ceremony.

The first five gold medals of the Milan Cortina Games were handed out today, plus action continued in women's hockey, curling, luge and more