Mafia

Quick Pitch

Mafia is a deduction and social strategy game where two groups—the Mafia (hidden) and the Villagers (visible)—work against each other.

Equipment Needed

None formally—though cards or tokens to track roles are helpful. Can use:

• Index cards with roles written on them
• Simple tokens or objects to identify roles
• Alternatively, roles assigned verbally by a moderator

Setup

• Gather 7+ players (works best with 10-15)
• Assign roles before play:
  • Mafia Members: Secret role (typically 1/3 to 1/5 of players)
  • Villagers: Regular players trying to find Mafia
  • Special Roles (Optional): Doctor, Detective, etc.
• Create a way to secretly assign roles without others seeing
• Designate a moderator/narrator (can be a player)
• Players sit in a circle facing each other
• Establish clear rules about communication during different phases

Rules

Objective

• Villagers: Identify and vote out all Mafia members
• Mafia: Eliminate Villagers until they equal or outnumber remaining Villagers

Gameplay

Night Phase (Mafia Operates):

• The moderator calls "Night" and all players close eyes
• The moderator whispers "Mafia, open your eyes"
• Mafia members silently select one Villager to eliminate
• All players return to eyes closed/silent
• The moderator calls "Day" and everyone wakes

Day Phase (Villagers Vote):

• Players open their eyes and discuss
• Players debate and discuss who they think is Mafia
• Discussion can include accusations, alibis, pattern reading
• After discussion, players vote on who to eliminate
• The player with the most votes is eliminated
• The eliminated player's role is revealed (if Mafia or special role)
• Play continues to the next Night Phase

Discussion Strategy:

• Players provide reasons for suspicions: odd behavior, contradictions, suspicious statements
• Mafia members must blend in and deflect suspicion
• Villagers look for inconsistencies or suspicious behavior
• Multiple theories are discussed; majority or plurality voting determines elimination

Round Progression:

• Night → Day → Night → Day continues
• Each Night, Mafia selects another victim
• Each Day, Villagers vote to eliminate someone
• Game continues until:
  • All Mafia are eliminated (Villagers win), OR
  • Mafia equal or outnumber Villagers (Mafia wins)

Scoring

• Winning team is simply declared; may track victories across multiple games
• Can assign points for surviving to end (if on winning team)