Rulebook

How to play Mafia

Roles, nights, votes, and how a side wins.

Objective

The game is a conflict between two groups: the informed minority (Mafia) and the uninformed majority (Villagers).

  • Mafia win: Eliminate enough villagers so that Mafia members equal or outnumber the villagers.
  • Villagers win: Eliminate all Mafia members.
Roles

The Mafia

Depending on the game size, there are 1 or more Mafia. Each night, every living Mafia member chooses the same town player to eliminate. If they do not agree, nobody is killed. They know who the other Mafia members are.

The Doctor

Each night, the Doctor can choose one person to save, including themselves. If the Mafia targets that person, they survive. The town is not told who was saved.

The Detective

Each night, the Detective can investigate one player to determine if they are Mafia or innocent.

The Villagers

Innocent townspeople. They sleep at night and wake up to discuss who among them is the impostor. Their only weapon is their vote.

Game Phases

🌑 Night Phase

Everyone sleeps. The Mafia kills, Doctor saves, and Detective investigates.

☀️ Day Phase

Everyone wakes up. The host announces who died, if anyone. Their role stays secret unless the host chose to announce eliminated roles. Survivors discuss who they suspect.

🗳️ Voting Phase

Players vote to eliminate a suspect. A player is removed only by a majority of the living players. Their role stays secret unless the host chose to announce eliminated roles. Everyone's role is shown when the game ends. Abstentions do not count toward that majority. Ballots stay hidden until the vote is tallied.

Quick Start

How to play Mafia in 5 steps

  1. 1

    Open a Room & Share the Code

    Create a room in seconds without installing anything or creating an account. Share the 6-character room code or paste your Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord call link directly into the room.

  2. 2

    Receive Secret Roles

    The server privately assigns secret roles to each player: Mafia, Doctor, Detective, or Villager. The Mafia know who their teammates are, while townspeople only know their own identity.

  3. 3

    Survive the Night Phase

    When night falls, the town sleeps. The Mafia secretly vote on a target to eliminate. The Doctor chooses one player to protect, and the Detective investigates one suspect to learn if they are innocent or Mafia.

  4. 4

    Debate & Cast the Day Vote

    When the town awakens, casualties are revealed. Players debate clues, spot bluffs, and hold an open village vote. A majority vote banishes the prime suspect from the game.

  5. 5

    Claim Victory

    Villagers win if they banish every Mafia member from town. The Mafia wins when their living numbers equal or outnumber the remaining villagers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you win Mafia?
Villagers win by eliminating every Mafia member. Mafia win when they equal or outnumber the remaining villagers.
What happens at night in Mafia?
Every living Mafia member must choose the same player to eliminate. If they disagree, nobody is killed. The Doctor can save one player, including themselves, and the town is not told who. The Detective investigates one player.
How does the day vote work?
Survivors discuss who they suspect, then vote. A player is removed only when a majority of the living players vote for them. Abstentions do not count toward that majority.

Ready to play Mafia?

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