Hobbies And Interests
Mafia
The game of Mafia only requires a group of people and a deck of cards. Select a moderator from the group, then deal each of the other players a card from a selection that includes two queens, one king, one jack and enough numbered cards to equal the number of players. The card a player draws determines his or her role as mafia (queen), sheriff (king), doctor (jack), or one the townspeople (numbered cards). The moderator facilitates the game, telling a story to weave the rounds together as each person performs his or her role. During each round players close their eyes and the mafia select a player to kill. The sheriff points at the player he thinks is the mafia and is given a "yes" or "no" by the moderator and the doctor selects a player to "save" from murder. The goal of the game is for the townsfolk to correctly identify the mafia by making accusations and allowing the accused to defend themselves.
Murder Mystery Party Kits
Murder mystery party kits can be purchased in game stores or downloaded online and they're best played at dinner parties. Each guest is assigned a particular character from the kit and, throughout the course of the night, he or she reveals to the other guests the information provided about his or her back story and possible involvement in the murder. Other guests at the party and the players themselves piece together the clues, following along with the story guide to decide who they think is the murderer. At the end of the game, the murderer is revealed and a prize may be awarded to anyone who guessed correctly.
Assassin
Best played with six or more people, assassin is a murder mystery game that involves a single killer. The assassin is chosen by drawing slips of paper from a hat, one of which is marked with an X; the player who draws the X becomes the assassin. All players sit in a circle and constantly shift their gaze from one player to another. The assassin kills players one at a time by winking at them. If a player suspects the assassin, she makes an accusation. If she is correct, the game ends; if she's wrong the player dies. The game ends when all but one player is dead or the assassin is caught.
Clue
Clue, the popular board game, can easily be adapted into an interactive murder mystery for parties. You can assign each player one of the characters and have them dress up as that character if they choose. Reproduce larger versions of the clue cards included in the game and distribute them evenly among the players after removing one suspect, one room, and one weapon from the deck. The players may circulate, speak to each other, make suggestions and respond to suggestions made by other players, in essence following the rules of the board game.