Step 1: Gather the participants

Invite a group of friends or family members to play the game. The optimal number of players is between 6 and 20.

Step 2: Designate a game master

Choose a game master who is responsible for organizing the game, assigning roles, and ensuring that everyone understands the rules.

Step 3: Assign roles

The game master should randomly assign roles to each player: murderer (1-2 players), detective (1-2 players), and innocent bystanders (remaining players). The number of murderers and detectives can vary depending on the size of your group.

Step 4: Explain the game rules

Make sure everyone understands the objective of the game before starting. The murderer(s) try to eliminate all the innocent bystanders without being caught by the detective(s). Bystanders’ goal is to survive, while detectives try to identify and apprehend the murderer(s).

Step 5: Start the game

Everyone should be seated in a circle, with their eyes closed. The game master will then announce that it’s nighttime and go around tapping people on their heads to let them know what role they have been assigned.

Step 6: The night phase

During this phase, everyone keeps their eyes closed except for the murderers who will open their eyes and silently choose a victim by pointing at them. The game master will confirm their choice and then tell everyone to wake up in the morning.

Step 7: Announce the murder victim(s)

The game master will reveal which player(s) were killed during the night. These players are now “dead” and can no longer speak during discussions.

Step 8: Daytime discussions

During this phase, all surviving players discuss who they think is the murderer(s). There is no strict time limit, but it’s essential to keep discussions moving at a reasonable pace.

Step 9: Voting and elimination

After the discussion, players vote on whom they suspect to be the murderer(s). The player with the most votes is “executed” and reveals their role. If they were a murderer or a detective, they must also reveal the identities of their fellow players with the same role.

Step 10: Continuing the game

The game continues with alternating night and day phases until either all murderers have been caught, or all innocent bystanders have been eliminated.

Step 11: Declare winners and debrief

At the end of the game, when all murderers are caught or bystanders are eliminated, the game master will announce who has won. Engage in a brief discussion about how each player performed and what strategies were effective to play again in the future.

By following these 11 steps, you can enjoy playing Murder with your friends and family, ensuring a thrilling experience everyone will remember.