Mafia Strategy 101
I figured I would write this post as a guide for those new to mafia or looking to improve their existing gameplay. Obviously, this is just my take on strategy, and I’d appreciate any additional input from other veterans of the game.
First, here is a link to a previously posted FAQ section: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155957 It covers the very bare bone basics.
Second, if you are thinking of signing up for your first game, I highly encourage you to read some prior games to get an idea of how the game is played.
Third, I want to address some housekeeping issues I feel will help improve the quality of these games:
I figured I would write this post as a guide for those new to mafia or looking to improve their existing gameplay. Obviously, this is just my take on strategy, and I’d appreciate any additional input from other veterans of the game.
First, here is a link to a previously posted FAQ section: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155957 It covers the very bare bone basics.
Second, if you are thinking of signing up for your first game, I highly encourage you to read some prior games to get an idea of how the game is played.
Third, I want to address some housekeeping issues I feel will help improve the quality of these games:
- This game is all about participation. Every player needs to carry their own weight in formulating theories, hashing out who is scum, and, if you are evil, confusing the townies. Without participation from everyone who has signed up, the game ceases to be fun for those doing the work.
- If you do not have time to play, please do not sign up. It is no fun to play a game when half of the players only post excuses as to why they don’t have time to post. Please respect your fellow mafia players by only signing up if you will have time to play.
- UDs can really ruin a game. Again, if you are too busy to play, please respect those that are playing the game do not sign up for that game.
- This game is primarily played by adults. We welcome younger players, but expect a certain level of maturity from all players. Respect for other players is paramount; discussions may get heated but should not be personal nor harassing. All players are expected to form theories and spark discussions to help the town.
- The point of mafia is to discern who is scum and get them lynched. This is done through active discussions of who has what role. Being an active player does not mean spamming the thread with nonsense. Quality is much more important than quantity; some veterans naturally do not post much but when they do they offer good input. Make your posts count, do not be afraid to post your ideas on who could be scum. Be sure to say why you think someone is scum. If it is simply a gut feeling, say so. Only posting you think someone is scum but not stating why is a surefire way to bring scrutiny upon yourself, plus, it does not help the town.
- Laying low to avoid being lynched is not being a team player. No matter what your role, you are on a team. If you are a townie, you may not know who your teammates are, but you are still playing for a town win. By laying low, you do nothing to help the town. As a townie, you have a responsibility to try and find scum; the only way to find scum is through actively posting questions and theories. Some players lay low when scum. Sometimes it works, but more often than not, you will be called out for laying low. If you are scum, you need to look like you are trying to help the town. No veteran will believe any excuse you make as to why you are not posting, even if it is the truth.
- Day 1 is full of banter. There is really nothing to go on if you are a regular townie, but banter can lead to clues as to who has what role. Usually at the 24 hour mark, play will take a more serious note. It is often useful to go back and read the day 1 banter as looking back at how players interact can provide clues to who is communicating with who. Do not let the banter frustrate you; if this is your first game, feel free to join in. There is a difference though, between day 1 banter and spamming the thread with nonsense. Please make sure you join in the former and not in the latter.
- The night 1 lynch is generally an innocent. Sometimes the town gets lucky and is able to lynch scum. If you are scum, it is your job to avoid becoming the lynch. Laying low is a lame way to do so, and though you may avoid a day 1 lynch, you’re most likely going to be called out on it. Voting patterns are very important to look at post nightfall. A good strategy when scum is to make sure your team has their votes spread out. About the only time you’ll find an entire scum team on the same person is when they’re trying to save one of their own from being lynched. Also, if you are scum, avoid being the kill vote on an innocent if you can help it.
- A lot of this game is gauging someone’s reaction to something posted, and to draw connections between players to figure out who is on a team. It’s ok to poke at other players to try and draw a reaction; what is not cool is to antagonize another player to the point where they quit the game. That sort of play is unsportsmanlike and violates the integrity of the game. There is nothing strategic about mocking other players, it’s simply disrespectful. If it happens in a game that I am modding, I will mod kill the player doing the mocking, no matter what their role.
- Always read the team chats posted at the end of the game. This is the best way to learn how your fellow mafia players think. It will give you insight in to why they do what they do and with this insight it will be easier to pick up on their scum tells. Everyone has scum tells, even cryptic players.
- Don’t be afraid to accuse someone of being scum. Often new players will be afraid to take on a veteran…don’t be. Just make sure you have a reason for calling someone scum. If it’s a gut feel, say it’s a gut feel. Be ready to be accused of being scum yourself.
- Role claiming can be a strategic move if done correctly. False role claiming can be as well. What is lame, imo, is when a player with a PR has been outplayed and they only pull out the RC to save their own neck. It generally does not help their team, as evidenced in recent games. But that’s my opinion on that.
- Formulate a valid case against someone you’re accusing. An entire argument of “ur evil” is non-intellectual. State why you think the person is evil, pull quotes to back up what you are saying.
- Don’t take anything personally. This game is meant to be fun.
- Always proofread your posts. Since there is no editing allowed, once you post something it is out there. Make sure you are getting your thoughts across clearly. Scum will try to twist what you say, so it is important to make sure you don’t provide them ammo to work with.
- Use, but don’t abuse, the multiquote function.
if someone is being inconsistent, point it out so the rest of the town can see. Also try use quotes as evidence of someones scummy behavior as proof. 