# Mafia

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1981
- **BGG Rating**: 5.9
- **BGG Rank**: #24374
- **Players**: 3-5 (Best with: 3, 5)
- **Duration**: 60-120 min
- **Weight**: 1.75 / 5
- **Designers**: Marco Donadoni
- **Artists**: Massimo Petrini, Mauro Moretti
- **Publishers**: International Team (I)
- **Categories**: Fighting, Humor, Mafia, Spies / Secret Agents
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Dice Rolling, Events, Lose a Turn, Race, Roll / Spin and Move, Set Collection, Take That, Track Movement, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
If you enjoy a game with a mafia theme and direct conflict between factions, Mafia can be a fun choice, especially for its ironic take on the subject.Engaging mafia themeDirect conflict between factionsIronic humor presentPlayer interaction dependentDice luck influences playSlightly dated rulesetFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Get ready for a trip to 1980s Sicily, where four Mafia families battle for control of the island, but beware: the State won't make it easy! In Mafia, you control one of these families, each with its own Boss and a crew of thugs. On the other side, one player (or all, in smaller games) takes on the role of the State, commanding the Prefect, police, and even a secret agent. The Mafia's goal is to expand their territory across the cities, while the State tries to arrest as many mobsters as possible. The board is a track around Sicily, with key cities like Palermo serving as bases. Movement is determined by dice rolls, allowing you to move one or two units. The game uses cards to simulate events, US allies for the Mafia, and support for the Prefect, as well as evidence gathered by the secret agent to justify arrests. But don't be fooled, the system is flawed, and violence is rampant: shootouts, ambushes, and assassinations happen constantly, yet no one is permanently eliminated – reinforcements always arrive, they just take a variable amount of time. Mafia is a straightforward game, with a heavy theme treated ironically and somewhat 'sanitized,' perfect for those who enjoy strategic conflict with a dash of dark humor and plenty of action.

## FAQ
### How many players does Mafia support?
Mafia is for 3 to 5 players. In 4-player games, control of the State is shared.

### What is the average playtime?
A game of Mafia can last between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and strategy.

### Does the game have player elimination?
No, Mafia does not eliminate players. Although characters can be arrested, they eventually return to the game, keeping everyone engaged.

### What is the complexity level of the game?
With a weight of 1.75 out of 5 on the BGG scale, Mafia is considered a relatively light and accessible game with straightforward rules.

### Do I need to know Italian to play?
No, Mafia has no language dependency; the rules and components are understandable without prior knowledge of Italian.

### Who is Mafia recommended for?
Recommended for fans of games with a mafia theme, direct conflict, and who appreciate a touch of ironic humor, even with more classic mechanics.