How to Understand Bodybuilding Judging Criteria for Beginners

I have been attending local shows in Illinois for a while now and I am still trying to figure out how to understand bodybuilding judging criteria for beginners. It often feels like a mystery why one guy wins over another when they both look incredible. I am planning to compete next year so I want to know exactly what the panel is looking for during the comparisons.

From what I have gathered so far it is a mix of muscularity symmetry and conditioning. However I have noticed that sometimes a smaller athlete with better lines beats a massive guy who is a bit soft. It seems like the total package is more important than just having the biggest biceps in the room.

Does anyone have a breakdown of how the scoring works for regional shows? I am curious if the judges use a literal points system or if it is more of a ranking based on subjective feel. I would love to hear from anyone who has sat on a judging panel before.