They also know the identities of their teammates.Īlso known as the “townspeople,” these players only know the number of Mafiosi in the game. These players determine who will be killed. The number of roles assigned is dependent on the desire of the group and the number of players. If the majority voted the initial accused player guilty, the night round begins again.Īlthough the only roles that are absolutely necessary are that of the Moderator and the Mafia, others can be added. This continues until a player is declared guilty and leaves the game. If it is not decided that the accused is not guilty, accusations begin again.
It may be required that the vote be anonymous or not.
The Moderator calls for a vote and players indicate whether they believe the accused is guilty or not. In some versions of the game, the defense if conducted by a player designated as the Lawyer. If desired, this can be done as a trial, with the accused presenting a fictional alibi and even accusing other players. Other players may then tell if they believe the accusation is just.Īny player who feels the accusation is unjust may choose to defend the accused. Additionally, the accuser must explain the reason behind the accusation. This accusation must be seconded by another player. Whoever has a suspicion may accuse another player of being a member of the Mafia. If the discussion reaches a point where a player has a suspicion, the game moves on to the accusation. Players do not show their cards, but try to convince others they have a certain role. The Moderator tells the players to open their eyes and then announces who “died” the previous night. If the Doctor chooses another player and that individual is chosen by the Mafia to be killed, nothing will happen to the victim – they are “saved.” If the Doctor is chosen for death by the Mafia, he is out of the game and the townspeople can no longer be saved. The Doctor can choose to save himself and thus survive the night. Next, the Moderator wakes up the Doctor who will choose a person to save by silent pointing. If not, the Detective now knows the identity of an innocent. If the Detective is correct, that Mafia member is eliminated from the game. While everyone else is still asleep, the Moderator wakes up the Detective, who points to someone they suspect is a member of the Mafia. Then the Mafia “sleeps” again until “morning.” They tell the Moderator their decision by pointing to him or her. Players may gently tap their fingers to disguise any noise made. They pick a victim by gesturing silently. At this time, the Mafia members will be able to see all their fellow members. After everyone is “asleep,” the Moderator instructs the Mafia to wake up and choose a victim. The Moderator begins the night cycle by having all players close their eyes and put down their heads. Players are not to show their cards to anyone else. The Moderator shuffles the cards and then deals them out so that each person has a card.