1. Rules: From “Restriction” to “Guidance”

Early rules: preventing danger and avoiding disorder

Modern rules: actively shaping rhythm and spectator experience

Rules function as “implicit tactical designers”

2. Systemic Consequences of Rule Evolution

Overall acceleration of competition tempo

Reduced tolerance for error

Increased importance of tactical discipline

1. Overall Acceleration of Game Rhythm

Defensive positioning moves forward (shortened gapping)

Reduced decision-making time for offensive plays

2. Tactical Consequences

Increased cost of mistakes in central zones

Boards and wide lanes become primary breakthrough channels

Higher success rates for fast counterattacks

1. Free Guard Zone (FGZ)

Restricts defensive positioning

Prevents prolonged goal-area congestion

Encourages sustained offensive play

2. Five-Rock Rule

Limits early defensive stone removal

Maintains continuity of play

Increases difficulty of tactical execution

3. No-Tick Rule

Prohibits blocking actions near the center line

Protects the integrity of offensive lanes

Intensifies spatial contest in the neutral zone

1. Non-Hammer Side (First-Move Side)

Actively blocks direct progression lanes

Creates interception and counterattack opportunities

2. Hammer Side (Last-Stone Advantage)

Controls positioning in the central zone

Forces opponents into disadvantageous spatial outcomes (blank ends)

(Ice Hockey as an Example)

1. Ice Surface Dimensions and Spatial Structure

International standard: 60 m × 26 m

Compression of central (neutral) zone space

Increased strategic importance of boards and wide channels

2. Tactical Evolution Driven by Spatial Change

Rapid puck circulation favored over individual penetration

Board-side pressure (pinning) becomes a high-frequency tactic

Significantly shortened attack–defense transition time

1. What Does “Tactics” Mean in the Winter Olympics?

Not an individual athlete’s personal strategy

But a system-level behavior shaped jointly by rules, venue conditions, time, and technology

Competition outcome = Individual capability × System adaptability

2. Why the Winter Olympics Require a “Tactics Board Perspective”

Event types are highly heterogeneous

Multiple disciplines run in parallel across different venues

Minor rule variations can be amplified into decisive performance gaps