Mafia Game Rules
Discover the full Mafia game rules at Playiro. Learn how to play this classic party game of hidden roles, deception, and strategy with our complete beginner’s guide.
Created by Adam D Fernsby
How to Play Mafia Party Game
Mafia is a social deduction game where players are secretly divided into two teams: Mafia and Townspeople.
Originally created by Dmitry Davidoff in the 1980s, it has become a staple at parties, camps, and game nights. The objective is simple: eliminate the opposing team without revealing your true identity.
Preparations
- Players: 7–20+
- Needed: A deck of role cards or slips of paper (1 per player)
- Roles to include:
- 1–3 Mafia
- 1 Doctor (optional but recommended)
- 1 Detective (optional)
- Remaining players are Townspeople
- Optionally: Advanced roles like Jester, Bodyguard, or Godfather
- Moderator: Required to guide the game and control the phases (does not play)
Role Summary (Basic Version)
| Role | Objective |
|---|---|
| Mafia | Eliminate all non-Mafia players |
| Townspeople | Identify and eliminate the Mafia |
| Doctor | Each night, protect one person from attack |
| Detective | Each night, investigate if someone is Mafia |
Mafia Gameplay
The game alternates between Night and Day phases.
Night Phase:
- Moderator tells everyone to close their eyes.
- Mafia, wake up → Mafia chooses someone to eliminate.
- Doctor, wake up → Doctor selects one player to save.
- Detective, wake up → Detective investigates one player; Moderator silently indicates if they’re Mafia.
Day Phase:
- Moderator announces who (if anyone) was eliminated during the night.
- All players discuss and try to identify the Mafia.
- A vote is held to eliminate one player.
- Eliminated players reveal their role and leave the game.
Repeat the cycle until one side wins.
Winning Conditions
- Mafia wins if they equal or outnumber the remaining non-Mafia players.
- Townspeople win if they eliminate all Mafia members.
Strategies and Tips
In order to improve your chances to win, use these strategies.
Mafia Players
- Lie confidently but avoid overexplaining.
- Sow doubt and confusion among players.
- Eliminate power roles early if discovered.
Townspeople
- Watch for inconsistencies in speech and voting.
- Use votes to test reactions.
- Power roles (Doctor/Detective) should reveal carefully and not too soon.
General
- Keep mental notes on player behavior.
- Don’t eliminate quiet players too quickly—they may just be new.
Overview of the Game Rules
- Roles are secretly assigned: Mafia, Townspeople, Doctor, Detective
- Game alternates between night (secret actions) and day (discussion + voting)
- Mafia must stay hidden while eliminating others
- Townspeople must uncover and eliminate Mafia
- Game ends when one side is fully eliminated or conditions are met
Mafia Game FAQ
Can you play Mafia without cards?
Yes. Roles can be assigned using slips of paper or whispered by the moderator.
Is the Doctor allowed to save themselves?
Yes. In most versions, the Doctor can choose to protect themselves once, or multiple times if not restricted.
What if there’s a tie during the vote?
The moderator can allow for a revote or cancel the elimination that round. This should be agreed upon beforehand.
What’s the minimum number of players for Mafia?
7 players is a good starting point. You can play with fewer, but balance becomes harder.
How long does a game of Mafia take?
Around 30–60 minutes, depending on group size and discussion time.
What happens if the Detective dies?
Once a role is eliminated, their ability is gone. If the Detective dies, no one can investigate.