End of year

Mafia (Werewolf)

A secret-role game where the "mafia" tries to eliminate townspeople at night while the town debates and votes by day. Middle and high schoolers ask for it by name.

  • 🎓 Grades 6–12
  • ⏱ 20–40 min
  • 👥 Whole class (8+)
  • 📦 Low prep
🎲 Another game

How to play Mafia (Werewolf)

  1. Hand out secret role slips. The teacher is the narrator.
  2. Night: everyone closes their eyes. The mafia opens their eyes and silently picks a target. The doctor picks someone to save; the detective points at someone and learns if they are mafia.
  3. Day: everyone opens their eyes. The narrator reveals who was "eliminated" (unless saved).
  4. The town discusses and votes on who they think is mafia. That player is out and reveals their role.
  5. The town wins by removing all mafia; the mafia wins if they equal the town.

Variations

  • Werewolf version: same rules with a village and werewolves.
  • ESL: require full sentences when accusing ("I think ___ is the mafia because...").

💡 Teacher tips

  • Keep eliminations silly ("tickled by a squirrel") so the game stays school-friendly.
How to play Mafia (Werewolf): printable classroom rule card with the steps, time (20–40 min), grades 6–12 and prep

📌 Rule card to print or pin

The rules of Mafia (Werewolf) on one card. Print it for the board or a sub folder, or save it to Pinterest for later.

Save to Pinterest Download / print rule card
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