Mafia

Trust No One #

Mafia is a classic social deduction game full of bluffing, strategy, and suspense. Players take on secret roles and try to outwit the opposing side. Will the townspeople survive, or will the mafia quietly eliminate them all?

How to Play #

Players sit in a circle while a moderator assigns secret roles: Mafia (killers), Townspeople (innocents), and special roles like Doctor or Detective. Roles are distributed secretly, and the game alternates between night and day phases.

During the night, the mafia silently chooses someone to eliminate. The Doctor may try to save someone, and the Detective may investigate a player’s identity. During the day, all players discuss who they think is suspicious and vote to eliminate one player.

The game continues in rounds until either all mafia are eliminated (town wins) or the mafia outnumber the town (mafia wins).

Variations

• Doctor Role: Can choose one person to protect from elimination each night.

• Detective Role: Can secretly ask the moderator to reveal if a player is mafia.

• Narrative Twist: Moderator adds storytelling flair to keep the game immersive.

Rules #

Moderator Role: One person does not play but runs the game, announces phases, and keeps track of roles.

Roles (Basic Set):

• Mafia (2–3 depending on group size)
• Townspeople
• Optional: Doctor, Detective

Night Phase:

• Mafia chooses a player to eliminate.
• Doctor chooses a player to save (can choose self).
• Detective chooses a player to investigate.

Day Phase:

• Moderator announces who was eliminated (if anyone).
• Players discuss and vote to eliminate a suspect.

Elimination: Once voted out, players reveal their role and are out for the rest of the game.

Winning Conditions:

• Town wins when all mafia are eliminated.
• Mafia wins when they equal or outnumber the townspeople.

No Talking at Night: Players must stay silent and keep eyes closed unless told to act.

Materials #

Materials Required

• None Required: Can be played with just players and a moderator.

• Optional Role Cards: Paper slips or cards for assigning secret roles.

• Chair Circle or Sitting Area

Setup #

Setup Instructions:

1. Gather Players: Best with 7+ players and one moderator.

2. Assign Roles: Secretly hand out roles based on group size.

3. Explain Rules: Make sure all players understand night/day cycles and winning conditions.

4. Begin Game: Moderator starts with the first night phase, then alternates between night and day rounds.

Script (For Moderator)

Night Phase Script:

1. "Everyone, close your eyes. Mafia, open your eyes and silently choose someone to eliminate."
2. "Mafia, close your eyes. Doctor, open your eyes and point to someone to save."
3. "Doctor, close your eyes. Detective, open your eyes and point to someone to investigate."
4. "Detective, close your eyes. Everyone, wake up."

Day Phase Script:

1. "Last night, [Player Name] was eliminated."
2. "Discuss among yourselves. When ready, we will vote."
3. "Everyone, point to who you want to eliminate on the count of 3."
4. "The player with the most votes is eliminated. [Reveal role if desired]."

Repeat night/day cycles until one side wins.