Official Gameplay Rules
Complete step-by-step rulebook for 3 to 20 players.
Quick Gameplay Rules
Step 1: Role Assignment
All players receive the secret word except the Imposter who receives a warning card.
Step 2: Give Clues
Take turns saying ONE word clue. Civilians give subtle clues; the Imposter must bluff.
Step 3: Discuss & Vote
Debate suspicious clues. Civilians win if they unmask the Imposter; the Imposter wins if they escape detection.
Understanding Social Deduction Mechanics
Social deduction games rely on asymmetrical information: some players possess complete knowledge (the civilians who know the secret word), while one or more players have incomplete knowledge (the secret Imposter). The central psychological dynamic involves signaling and detection.
The Art of Giving Clues
When giving a clue as a civilian, your objective is twofold:
- Signal to fellow civilians: Prove that you know the secret word by referencing a distinct attribute or sub-association.
- Deny information to the Imposter: Avoid clues that are too direct or obvious (e.g. if the word is 'Pizza', giving the clue 'Pepperoni' immediately reveals the word to the Imposter).
How the Imposter Bluffs
As the Imposter, listen carefully to early clues. Synthesize common themes to improvise a plausible clue without revealing your ignorance.
