Calling the Game

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This article discusses in detail when a game of Mafia should be declared over and given to the scum.

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.

The reasoning behind 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.

However, imagine this scenario going into Day:

• 2 Mafia
• 1 Doc
• 1 Vigilante

Some would argue that, because the Mafia constitute ≥50% of the town, that the game should be handed to the Mafia. However, others would argue that this shouldn't be the case because, even though the Town has lost the ability to lynch, the presence of Power roles could still allow the Town a chance, however small, of winning the game. Assuming that there is No Lynch, then, depending on Night Choices, the situation the next day could be:

1. 2 scum remain - Scum win (caused by scum killing vig and vig killing doc)
2. 2 scum v doc - Scum win (caused by doc preventing vig-kill on scum, and mafia killing vig. The next day, scum control the lynch.)
3. 2 scum v vig - Scum win (caused by doc preventing vig-kill on scum, and mafia killing doc. The next day, scum control the lynch)
4. 1 scum v doc - Scum win (caused by vig-kill on scum, and mafia killing vig. Scum kills doc the following night)
5. 1 scum v vig - Draw (caused by vig-kill on scum, and mafia killing doc. No-lynch the next day, and both kill each other the following night.)
6. 1 scum v vig + doc - Outcome Uncertain (caused by vig-kill on scum, and doc preventing kill on vig. Next day lynch decides the game)

Depending on how well Night Choices were made, it is possible for the Town to win. This would lead some to the conclusion that the ≥50% rule doesn't function properly when power roles are in play, and that the game should continue until a definite conclusion has been reached. Others would argue that, regardless of what Night powers the town have, the scum should win at ≥50%.

Solutions

Mafia Win at ≥50%

The game is called and handed to the Mafia if the Mafia member count is greater than or equal to the Townie count.

Pros

• The majority of games on MS are run using this solution, and so little change has to be made.
• Overall, it allows games to end faster, and prevents time wasting.

Cons

• Is this fair to the town? Even if the scum has a minute chance at winning the game, they should be given that chance.

Mafia Win at >50%

The game is called and handed to the Mafia if the Mafia member count is greater than the Townie count.

Pros

• Take a slightly modified version of the scenario above going into day:
  • 3 Mafia
  • 1 Doc
  • 1 Vigilante
• The Mafia control the lynch, killing off one of the Townies, and can Night Kill the other. I am yet to see a situation wherby a >50% only rule wouldn't work effectively.

Cons

• Could take up another Day cycle, wasting time where it may not be necessary.

Mafia Win When Loss Becomes Impossible

Pros

• Guarantees a completely fair outcome, whereby all possible town power is used.
• Game can be called by the Moderator when it becomes impossible for the town to win, the original purpose of the ≥50% rule.

Cons

• If a game does not end, the Mafia know that the Town has a way to thwart them, and this information could be used against the town to gain an advantage.