How to Play Mafia (Party Game): Rules, Roles & Strategies

Mafia is one of the most popular party games in the world. Played in groups, it combines deception, teamwork, and psychological skill. The fun lies in lying convincingly (if you’re Mafia) or detecting lies (if you’re a Villager). It’s often played at house parties, sleepovers, or even in team-building events.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to play Mafia, including rules, common roles, and strategies to win.

What is Mafia?

Mafia is a social deduction party game created in the 1980s. The game splits players into two groups:

  • Mafia (the liars) – work together secretly to eliminate villagers.

  • Villagers (the truth-seekers) – must find and vote out the mafia before being eliminated.

A moderator runs the game, announcing day/night cycles and narrating events.

Setup

  • Players: 6–20 (best with 8–12).

  • Roles: Cards, slips of paper, or verbal assignments are used to assign roles.

  • Moderator: Manages the game but doesn’t play.

Basic Roles in Mafia

  • Mafia: Secretly know each other and choose one player to eliminate each night.

  • Villagers: Ordinary players with no special powers.

  • Detective / Cop: Each night, investigates one player’s role (Mafia or not).

  • Doctor: Chooses one player to protect each night from Mafia’s attack.

  • Moderator: Narrates day and night, keeps the game fair.

(Optional roles include Nurse, Vigilante, Serial Killer, etc., depending on variation.)

How to Play Mafia: Step-by-Step

1. Night Phase

  • The Moderator announces “night has fallen.”

  • Mafia secretly select a victim.

  • Detective investigates one player.

  • Doctor selects one player to save.

  • Everyone closes their eyes until the Moderator says “day has come.”

2. Day Phase

  • The Moderator announces who (if anyone) was killed during the night.

  • All players discuss and accuse others of being Mafia.

  • A vote is held to eliminate one suspect.

  • The eliminated player reveals their role and leaves the game.

3. Game Progression

  • The cycle repeats (night → day) until:

    • Villagers win if all Mafia are eliminated.

    • Mafia win if they equal or outnumber the villagers.

Winning Strategies

For Mafia

  • Blend in: Don’t act too defensive or too quiet.

  • Create doubt: Shift suspicion onto others.

  • Coordinate: Subtly support your fellow Mafia without being obvious.

For Villagers

  • Observe behavior: Watch who speaks less, avoids eye contact, or pushes false leads.

  • Trust the Detective: If revealed, the Detective can guide the group.

  • Avoid random votes: Work as a group to analyze behavior before eliminating.

Popular Variations of Mafia

  • Werewolf: A re-themed version with wolves and villagers.

  • Open Mafia: Players reveal roles after being eliminated (standard).

  • Secret Mafia: Eliminated players do not reveal their role, making it harder.

  • Big Group Mafia: More roles like Bodyguard, Lovers, or Serial Killer added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many people are needed to play Mafia?
At least 6, but the game is best with 8–12 players.

Q2. Is Mafia the same as Werewolf?
Yes, it’s a popular re-skin of the same game with wolves instead of mafia.

Q3. Can you play Mafia online?
Yes, many apps and websites host Mafia/Werewolf online with friends.

Final Thoughts

Mafia is the ultimate party game of lies and deduction. Whether you’re trying to outsmart your friends as Mafia or working together as Villagers, every round brings tension, laughter, and excitement.

So, next time you’re with a group of friends, ditch the board games—play Mafia, and see who’s the best liar in the room!