Youth Ministry Games : Mafia

The object of the game is to reveal who the "Mafia" is. The "Mafia" has the object of killing everyone. The game begins with everyone stating "they are not the Mafia". At this point, based on the body language of the players and the tone of their voice others need to accuse who they think the "Mafia" is. If two agree, the person is asked if they are the "Mafia". If they are, the game is over (unlikely), if they are not, the whole group is asked to close their eyes by a neutral party NOT in the game. The "Mafia" is asked to open their eyes and point to a person they want killed. They then close their eyes, the "police" is asked to open their eyes, and is asked who they think the "Mafia" is by pointing. If they are correct the neutral party signals so with a nod. If they are wrong the neutral party signals no with the shake of their head. It is important to hide the identity of the "Mafia" and "police" by not talking AT them when they are asked questions, so their location in the circle is known to all. All are then asked to open their eyes, the killed party is told they are dead and may not speak.

At this point the people are mad at the killing and three must agree as to whom they think the "Mafia" is and they accuse the person (the Mafia may be in this group therefore secrecy is key). The accused is allowed a defense, if it is not acceptable to the three accusers, the accused is killed, and is asked if they are the "Mafia". The game ends if they are or continues if they are not with the accused now dead. OR after the defense the accusers may with draw their accusation, and may not re-accuse the person until the next round The game continues, with the "police" having the only additional knowledge. If they know who the "Mafia" is or is not, they may influence the rest of the group by making suggestive statements but NOT BY SAYING they ARE the "police". The reason is so the "Mafia" can pretend they have knowledge also to influence people. They game becomes better and easier as all get the hang of it. It is best played with more than 6 people.