If you’ve watched Going Seventeen or Run BTS, you’ve probably seen the members play the thrilling Mafia game, filled with accusations, dramatic reveals, and lots of laughter. This social deduction game is perfect for friend groups who want to test their lying skills and detective abilities. Here’s how to recreate that chaotic fun!
What You Need
- 6-12 players (the more, the merrier!)
- Role cards (or slips of paper with roles written on them)
- A moderator (optional, but helpful for larger groups)
The Roles
Citizens – The majority of players. Their goal is to identify and eliminate all Mafia members through voting.
Mafia – Usually 2-3 players depending on group size. They know each other’s identities and must eliminate Citizens without getting caught.
Doctor (optional) – Can save one person per round from elimination.
Police/Detective (optional) – Can investigate one player per round to learn if they’re Mafia or Citizen.
Setup
Players receive roles either by drawing secret cards or through shoulder taps from the moderator while sitting in a half circle with eyes closed. No one reveals their role to anyone else (except Mafia members briefly acknowledge each other when everyone’s eyes are closed during the first night phase).
How to Play
Night Phase
Everyone closes their eyes. The moderator (or a designated person) guides the night actions:
- “Mafia, wake up.” Mafia members open their eyes, make eye contact, and silently agree on one Citizen to eliminate. They then close their eyes.
- “Doctor, wake up.” (If playing with this role) The Doctor opens their eyes and points to one player to save. They close their eyes.
- “Police, wake up.” (If playing with this role) The Police points to one player to investigate. The moderator nods or shakes their head to indicate Mafia or Citizen. They close their eyes.
Day Phase
“Everyone, wake up!” The moderator announces who was eliminated during the night (unless the Doctor saved them).
Now comes the fun part. Everyone discusses who they think the Mafia might be. This is where the chaos begins:
- Citizens try to find suspicious behavior
- Mafia members pretend to be Citizens and deflect suspicion
- Special roles can hint at their information without fully revealing themselves
- Players make accusations, form alliances, and debate
Voting
After discussion (usually 3-5 minutes), everyone votes simultaneously on who to eliminate. The person with the most votes is eliminated and reveals their role.
Game End
The game continues alternating between night and day phases until either:
- Citizens win – All Mafia members are eliminated
- Mafia wins – Mafia members equal or outnumber Citizens
K-Pop Variety Show Twists
To recreate that Going Seventeen or Run BTS energy:
Add dramatic music during voting and elimination reveals
Set a time limit for discussions (2-3 minutes) to keep energy high
Include missions – Players complete small challenges to earn hints about roles
Punishment for eliminated players – They have to watch in silence while the others continue (the agony!)
Extra roles – Add a Cupid who links two players’ fates, or a Jester who wins if they get voted out
Physical tells – Unlike online versions, pay attention to nervous laughter, avoiding eye contact, or overly defensive behavior
Pro Tips
For Citizens: Don’t reveal your special role too early. Pay attention to who’s being unusually quiet or overly talkative. Form alliances but stay flexible.
For Mafia: Act natural! Don’t defend your Mafia partner too obviously. Participate in discussions actively but not aggressively. Sometimes accusing someone else helps deflect suspicion.
For Everyone: The game is more fun when everyone commits to the act. Channel your inner actor and embrace the chaos!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Revealing your role too early (especially special roles)
- Being too quiet as a Citizen (you’ll look suspicious)
- Defending your Mafia partner too obviously
- Taking accusations too personally (it’s just a game!)
Why It’s So Popular
The Mafia game works perfectly for variety shows because it creates genuine moments of surprise, betrayal, and humor. There’s nothing quite like watching your best friend lie straight to your face or the satisfaction of correctly identifying the Mafia.
The key is to keep the atmosphere light and fun. Remember, the best moments come from the unexpected accusations, the dramatic gasps when roles are revealed, and the playful arguments that ensue.
Now gather your friends, assign those roles, and may the best liar—or detective—win!