Calling the Game

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This article discusses when a game of Mafia should be declared over by the Moderator.

Introduction

Normally, in a standard game of Mafia, the Mafia Win Condition reads:

You win when at least half of the living players are Mafia, or when nothing can prevent the same.

This Win Condition (also known as The ≥50% Rule) was to prevent having to waste time by playing out situations in which the outcome of the game was already decided. For example, imagine this scenario going into Day:

• 2 Mafia
• 2 Vanilla Townies

It has become impossible for the Mafia to be lynched (assuming normal game mechanics, where it would take 3 players to lynch), and hence it is impossible for the Town to win the game. It has become customary in this situation for the Game Moderator to declare that the Mafia have won. When the Mafia control ≥50% of the population, the Town cannot possibly lynch the scum, and the scum are normally declared the winners of the game.

However, a number of situations have arisen whereby this is seen as unfair.

Bulletproof Townie

Consider the following endgame situation:

• 1 Vanilla Mafia
• 1 Bulletproof Townie

Going into Day.

The Problem

Neither group has the ability to eliminate the other faction.

The Arguments

Some argue that the Bulletproof Townie's powers are made useless by an Endgame situation, and thus the Mafia will win the above situation. However, others argue that the above situation is considered a Happily ever after. The Townie cannot lynch the Mafia, and the Mafia can neither lynch nor kill the Townie.

Vigilantes

Consider the following situation:

• 4 Vanilla Mafia
• 3 Vigilantes

Going into Night.

The Problem

The Mafia has gained ≥50% of the game's population, and thus the game would be declared over.

The Arguments

Some would argue that ending the above game would be unfair. If the Vigilantes were to shoot different Mafia members, it would be a 2v1 Endgame sitation the next day, which gives the Town the opportunity to lynch the final Mafia member and win the game.