Scoring Points are awarded in the following fashion: the judge identifies the winning colour as the ball that is closest to the mingo. An imaginary circle with the mingo in the center is drawn, its radius being the center of the first ball of the opposite colour. Any balls of the winning colour that fall within this circle are counted as points. A maximum of eight and minimum of zero (a draw) can be counted by each "set". As measurements can be imprecise and somewhat subjective in loose soil, discussions frequently arise. The judge may require a bit of string (to use as a "ruler") or other tools, and more than one judge may be required for unbiased decisions. When not officially competing, participants may use steps (counting the number of steps placed in front of the other - tip to heel to the mingo), outstretched hands, twigs or whatever means available, giving rise to somewhat hilarious situations. Tricks and moves Though a simple game, experienced bolas criollas players display great skill at their throws. Several valid moves and tricks are commonly exploited that completely alter the course of a game. Arrime - When a player throws a ball in a gentle calculated arc and it lands just beside the mingo. Boche - A difficult move where a skilled thrower hits the winning ball of an opponent with his own, displacing the opponent's ball and leaving the thrower's team in a winning position. An alternative version of this move is hitting the mingo itself, thus changing completely the geometry of the game. Clavao - A Boche with effect, that leaves the "aggressive" ball in the exact position of the original ball as if "nailed". History The first report about the arrival of this game to Venezuela mention that Spanish monks brought it with the conquistadores. Since 1930, it has become widely popular, and during the first National Sports Games event in 1956, it was elevated to a sport, and official rules were set. Since then, it has been one of the most popular attractions in this event. The National Bolas Criollas Championship takes place every year during the months of August and September. The game is also very popular in Colombia (mostly in the city of Cúcuta) and in Cuba. Boules Team sports Sports originating in Venezuela