User: Can you explain the history and rules of the game of curling?
Assistant: The game of curling began in Scotland in the 16th century and is believed to have its roots in a game called "knattleikr" which was played in the Viking era. The modern form of curling as we know it today was introduced in the early 19th century in Scotland. It is especially popular in Canada and the northern US. 2 The game of curling is played on a rectangular sheet of ice that is 146 feet long and 14 feet wide. Players use specific stones called "stones" which weigh between 38 and 44 pounds. The goal of the game is to slide the stones across the ice towards the circular target called "the house". The player who gets his or her stone closest to the target wins that round. 3 To begin the game, each team has eight stones that they take turns sliding down the ice. As the stone travels towards the house, each player also uses a broom to sweep the ice in front of the stone. Sweeping the ice helps the stone to travel further, faster and with more accuracy. 4 At the end of each round, the team that has the stone closest to the house scores a point. The game is played to a 10 point limit, or until one team has completed all 8 stones and is ahead by at least two points. The team that has the highest score at the end of the game wins.