ABOUT THE AUTHOR
IMPULSE TRAVEL TEAM
We are a team of storytellers here to bring you the best Colombia has to offer. On our blog, we answer your most frequent questions and uncover our countries mysteries, culture, and highlights for you.
A sport including beer and explosives sounds like a blast, right? It’s definitely one of the experiences you can’t miss while in Colombia. Tejo has a long history, dating back to the Muisca, a Pre-Columbian civilization.
Tejo score table
With its origins in present-day Boyacá, Tejo was called Turmequé by the Muisca and played with ceramic and gold instead of iron and gunpowder. Back in the day, the Muisca resorted to Tejo to resolve conflicts. Today, it’s a popular activity to have a fun time with friends.
Tejo exhilarates both Colombians and tourists alike. The name of the game is also the name of the iron puck that is thrown against the clay target. The field can differ in size, but they all have one Cancha de Tejo (Tejo board) on each side, which leans against the wall. The Cancha consists of a clay square with a target ring of four gunpowder filled triangles, called mechas. With different ways to score (explained below), the first team to get 27 points wins.
Tejo board with 4 gunpowder filled triangles arranged in a circle
Tejo is a team sport, played on a small field. Before the game begins, you get to select your Tejo. They differ in size and weight and are chosen by personal preference. After picking up their pucks, both teams line up on either side of the field and throw their Tejos in alternating turns towards the clay board. You score every time you hit one of the triangles, people yell “mecha!” This is worth three points for your team.
The gunpowder filled mechas marking the bosín
Every time a mecha is hit, the round ends, and the team that scores gets to start the next round. If you land the Tejo inside the circle of mechas, this is called a bosín and is worth double the points as hitting a mecha (six points).
If no one scores a mecha or bosín in a round, the Tejo that landed closest to the ring of triangles wins a mano (hand), which is worth one point.
If you want to be your team’s hero, score a moñona! This is a combination of hitting a mecha and bosín: when the Tejo explodes a mecha and lands in the circle. Score a moñona and earn 9 points for your team.
Mecha, 3 points Bosín, 6 points Mano, 1 point Moñona, 9 points
Last week we competed in a Tejo tournament with or guides and drivers. They are real experts of the sport and let us in on some insider advice that we’re excited to share with you. With these tips and tricks, you can right away impress your Colombian friends by scoring a moñona.
Most beginners choose a heavier Tejo, but our guides explained that selecting one that fits well in your hand will improve your accuracy. A heavier Tejo might make you overexert your arm, which leads the Tejo to hit the ceiling or miss the Tejo board.
Choosing the right Tejo
Holding the Tejo
While aiming, move your throwing arm back and forth several times. You can also lift your other arm to help line your body up better. Put one foot in front and stay behind the marked line. To throw with enough power, use your whole body. Some say it’s important to take a step with your back foot before throwing the Tejo (like in bowling), and then make two to three funny-looking jumps forward. Others use the space to run forward and gain momentum before making the toss. Every Colombian has their own theories to what gives them an advantage to score a moñona, so don’t be afraid to try out different techniques to solidify your own style.
Finding your own style
In order to throw a straight line, it’s important to be properly balanced. That’s why most Tejo players hold a Pola (Colombian slang for beer) in their hand while throwing the Tejo. The beer evens out the weight of the Tejo and helps you to stay aligned when aiming for the target.
Balancing out the Tejo's weight with a beer
If you just wing it without using the right technique, the Tejo can hit the ceiling, wall, or even another player (ouch!). The next time you are playing, check out the walls - we’re sure you’ll find tons of marks and dents.
Colombia’s national sport will definitely spike your adrenaline levels, but be careful with inexperienced players around. Watch out for your head, and maybe share some of our advice so that they play safely.
Most importantly, Tejo is all about having fun and enjoying the time spent with friends. For the casual Tejo player, like us, it’s about laughing and not taking yourself too seriously. However, there are also more serious Tejo competitions that really do focus on scoring. They also skip the beer...
Tejo score table
With its origins in present-day Boyacá, Tejo was called Turmequé by the Muisca and played with ceramic and gold instead of iron and gunpowder. Back in the day, the Muisca resorted to Tejo to resolve conflicts. Today, it’s a popular activity to have a fun time with friends.
What is Tejo?
Tejo exhilarates both Colombians and tourists alike. The name of the game is also the name of the iron puck that is thrown against the clay target. The field can differ in size, but they all have one Cancha de Tejo (Tejo board) on each side, which leans against the wall. The Cancha consists of a clay square with a target ring of four gunpowder filled triangles, called mechas. With different ways to score (explained below), the first team to get 27 points wins.
Tejo board with 4 gunpowder filled triangles arranged in a circle
How is Tejo played?
Tejo is a team sport, played on a small field. Before the game begins, you get to select your Tejo. They differ in size and weight and are chosen by personal preference. After picking up their pucks, both teams line up on either side of the field and throw their Tejos in alternating turns towards the clay board. You score every time you hit one of the triangles, people yell “mecha!” This is worth three points for your team.
The gunpowder filled mechas marking the bosín
Every time a mecha is hit, the round ends, and the team that scores gets to start the next round. If you land the Tejo inside the circle of mechas, this is called a bosín and is worth double the points as hitting a mecha (six points).
If no one scores a mecha or bosín in a round, the Tejo that landed closest to the ring of triangles wins a mano (hand), which is worth one point.
If you want to be your team’s hero, score a moñona! This is a combination of hitting a mecha and bosín: when the Tejo explodes a mecha and lands in the circle. Score a moñona and earn 9 points for your team.
Mecha, 3 points Bosín, 6 points Mano, 1 point Moñona, 9 points
Some expert tips for playing Tejo:
Last week we competed in a Tejo tournament with or guides and drivers. They are real experts of the sport and let us in on some insider advice that we’re excited to share with you. With these tips and tricks, you can right away impress your Colombian friends by scoring a moñona.
Selecting the right Tejo for you:
Most beginners choose a heavier Tejo, but our guides explained that selecting one that fits well in your hand will improve your accuracy. A heavier Tejo might make you overexert your arm, which leads the Tejo to hit the ceiling or miss the Tejo board. Choosing the right Tejo
How to hold your Tejo?
Turn the smaller side of your Tejo up, and put one finger on top to hold it in place, while you aim your throw.Holding the Tejo
What to keep in mind before throwing?
While aiming, move your throwing arm back and forth several times. You can also lift your other arm to help line your body up better. Put one foot in front and stay behind the marked line. To throw with enough power, use your whole body. Some say it’s important to take a step with your back foot before throwing the Tejo (like in bowling), and then make two to three funny-looking jumps forward. Others use the space to run forward and gain momentum before making the toss. Every Colombian has their own theories to what gives them an advantage to score a moñona, so don’t be afraid to try out different techniques to solidify your own style.
Finding your own style
Keep your balance:
In order to throw a straight line, it’s important to be properly balanced. That’s why most Tejo players hold a Pola (Colombian slang for beer) in their hand while throwing the Tejo. The beer evens out the weight of the Tejo and helps you to stay aligned when aiming for the target.
Balancing out the Tejo's weight with a beer
What happens when you don’t get expert tips before playing:
If you just wing it without using the right technique, the Tejo can hit the ceiling, wall, or even another player (ouch!). The next time you are playing, check out the walls - we’re sure you’ll find tons of marks and dents.
Colombia’s national sport will definitely spike your adrenaline levels, but be careful with inexperienced players around. Watch out for your head, and maybe share some of our advice so that they play safely.
Most importantly, Tejo is all about having fun and enjoying the time spent with friends. For the casual Tejo player, like us, it’s about laughing and not taking yourself too seriously. However, there are also more serious Tejo competitions that really do focus on scoring. They also skip the beer...
