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How to Play Mafia

Social deduction for 6–20 players

Overview

Mafia is a social deduction game where an informed minority (the Mafia) tries to eliminate the uninformed majority (the Town). The app acts as the narrator and moderator — no need for a dedicated host.

Roles

Villager (Town)

No special ability. Votes during the day to eliminate suspects.

Mafia (Mafia)

Knows other Mafia members. Each night, collectively choose someone to eliminate.

Detective (Town)

Each night, investigate one player to learn if they are Mafia or Town.

Doctor (Town)

Each night, choose one player to protect. If targeted by Mafia, they survive.

Game Flow

  1. Night Phase: Everyone "closes their eyes" (your phone shows a waiting screen). The Mafia secretly picks a target to kill. The Detective investigates someone. The Doctor protects someone.
  2. Night Results: The app announces who was eliminated overnight (if anyone). If the Doctor saved them, no one dies.
  3. Day Discussion: All living players discuss and debate who they think the Mafia members are.
  4. Day Voting: Players vote on who to eliminate. A majority is needed. If reached, that player is removed and their role is revealed.
  5. Repeat: The cycle continues (Night → Day) until one side wins.

Win Conditions

Town Wins

All Mafia members are eliminated.

Mafia Wins

Mafia members equal or outnumber Town members.

Tips

  • As Town, pay attention to who seems defensive or evasive.
  • As Mafia, act natural and deflect suspicion onto others.
  • The Detective should be careful not to reveal themselves too early.
  • The Doctor can save themselves, but can't protect the same person twice in a row.
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