Sheriff role in Mafia
Also known as: Commissioner, Detective
The classic detective role on the Citizens side. Each night investigates one player and learns whether they are Mafia or innocent. In different rule sets it's called Sheriff, Commissioner, or Detective. In our game the Seer fills the same niche — she sees the player's exact role, not just their faction.
Abilities and night actions
The Sheriff (also Commissioner, or Detective in some rules) is the most useful information role in Mafia. Each night the Sheriff picks one player, and the host tells them the check result: Mafia or not. Over a few nights they can identify the whole crime ring — if they survive.
How to play
The Sheriff's central dilemma is revealing. Reveal too early — Mafia kills you at night, your info dies with you. Reveal too late — you may get voted out as a suspect. The sweet spot: 1-2 confirmed Mafia checks and you're already being accused.
Memorize check results. Don't investigate loud accusers: they're either already Citizens (wasted check) or smart Mafia (info won't help, you can't get them killed instantly). Investigate quiet players — higher Mafia odds.
If you're being accused and have useful info, reveal. Better to lay your card down and try to lead the team than die silent.
Key rule
Don't reveal yourself too early — Mafia will kill you at night. Only reveal when you've found them, or when you're about to be eliminated.
This role in Mafia de los Muertos
In Mafia de los Muertos the Sheriff function is the Seer. She investigates one player per night and learns their exact role — not just faction, but specifically Bandito, Citizen, or the other Widow. It's stronger than the classic Sheriff: more granular info.
See also:
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