The Cat Faction card set from the Woodcat online store

The psychological role-playing board game Mafia has become a traditional pastime around the world. The game's foundations were developed back in 1986 by a psychology student at Moscow State University. It quickly spread and is now found in almost every bar, restaurant, and anti-cafe in Ukraine. Beyond its entertainment value, the game is used to practice analytical thinking, acting, and develop psychological and social skills.

There are numerous specialized training programs for specialists in various fields. Furthermore, the game hosts numerous international competitions and tournaments, which attract the attention of millions of people worldwide each year.

A separate and interesting branch of the mafia is conversational English-language training, which has gained particular popularity in Ukraine.

Why did this particular game become so popular?

We can't say that Mafia appeals to everyone, as it's a highly confrontational board game. Many winning tactics rely on forcing your opponents to lose their composure and reveal themselves. The intense plot is perfectly complemented by the game's style. The gameplay is fairly simple, but the conversational specifics are quite varied. Players tend to adopt many behavioral patterns and tactics (which have been extensively covered in specialized fan blogs).

Rules of the game

Due to its immense popularity, the game has spawned numerous variations. Almost every Mafia club has its own specific rules. General principles:
First, players elect a leader. This leader will enforce the rules and guide the players' actions. Everyone else is secretly divided into two teams (mafia and civilians). There are many special roles with unique abilities, but the most common are: doctor (can save a player from death), prostitute (blocks a player's abilities), don (leads the mafia, can learn the secret role of other players), and sheriff (plays for the civilians, can learn the secret role of another player).
The game is divided into two phases. At night, the mafia decides who to kill. During the day, the city's citizens negotiate to determine who is the mafia.

Kotomafia is a set of Mafia cards. It includes the most popular roles. The cards are covered with a thick laminate, protecting them from water and wear. The convenient and very sturdy box will last for many years. The roles are labeled in English (at the request of English-speaking Mafia clubs). Below the English text is a Ukrainian inscription of the role.

The card illustrations are designed in the style of humanized mafia cats. If you like cats, these cards will captivate you.

Specifications:

• Card protectors (G7D 70 x 110 mm) 100 pcs – 1 pack.
• Number of players: 6-16.
• Age – 12+.
• The duration of the game is 15–60 minutes.
• Difficulty level – 1.5/5.
• Section – For the company.
• Additionally – Fast, For Beginners, For Teens, For Parties, Fun.
• Theme: Cats.
• Language – Ukrainian.
• Publisher: Woodcat.