Open Setup

General

A game where all of the roles are known before the game begins, as well as how many of each exist. (Games in which the roles are known, but the precise number of each is determined semi-randomly, are usually called "semi-open"; the best-known example would be the F11 and C9 setups used for Newbie Games.) All rules are disclosed as well.

This type of game tends to have few distinct roles, and a large number of plain Townies to deter a mass roleclaim.

Open setups are relatively uncommon. The early Newbie Games all used an open setup. Some other games that used an open setup are: Don't Be Stupid, the Roleless Mafia minis, and The Old Pond. An open setup game is usually classified as a Normal Game, as they typically use standard roles and game mechanics.

An important feature of open setups is repeatability. Since the game experience doesn't include discovering what the setup is, nothing is lost by playing the game multiple times. In contrast, closed setups would not play the same way a second time, and many may not even be playable a second time due to an increased vulnerability to roleclaiming.

Another effect of an open setup is that players that need to lie about their role (such as Mafia) have no need (or ability) to come up with creative role claims. And naturally, the pro-town players have no need to evaluate role claims, or speculate about the nature of the setup.

See also

• Open Game, a category of game played on MafiaScum.net with a slightly broader definition of 'open'.

Variations

• Big Love