# Balancing Teams in Social Deduction Games
A central challenge of playing Werewolf, Avalon, or Secret Hitler is balancing the number of good and evil roles based on the total player count. An incorrect ratio can make the game too easy for one team and frustrating for the other. By referencing mathematical probabilities and standard community configurations, you can ensure a balanced play session.| Total Players | Good Team Count | Evil Team Count | Recommended Game Presets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Players | 3 Good (or Liberals) | 2 Evil (or Fascists) | Avalon or Secret Hitler |
| 6 Players | 4 Good (or Liberals) | 2 Evil (or Fascists) | Avalon or Secret Hitler |
| 7 Players | 5 Good (or Liberals) | 2 Evil (or Fascists / Hitler) | Werewolf, Avalon, or Secret Hitler |
| 8 Players | 5 Good (or Liberals) | 3 Evil (or Fascists / Hitler) | Werewolf, Avalon, or Secret Hitler |
| 9 Players | 6 Good (or Liberals) | 3 Evil (or Fascists / Hitler) | Werewolf, Avalon, or Secret Hitler |
| 10 Players | 6 Good (or Liberals) | 4 Evil (or Fascists / Hitler) | Werewolf, Avalon, or Secret Hitler |
# Configuring Spyfall and Impostor Games without a Host
To run word association games like Spyfall or Impostor smoothly on one screen, role distribution must remain unbiased. If a player acts as a designated Host, they enter the word and are automatically forced to be a Crewmate. Alternatively, selecting a Non-Player Host lets the app auto-assign pre-configured locations. For absolute uncertainty, the Secret Pre-round selects three players anonymously to input words, choosing one randomly so everyone can play with zero prior knowledge.# Host Best Practices for Mobile Pass and Play
Using a single shared screen to distribute hidden roles is convenient but prone to leaks. To maintain absolute secrecy, the game host should enforce these steps: pass the device in a consistent direction around the table, have players adjust the screen angle so neighbors cannot peek, and instruct players to release the hold-to-reveal button immediately if someone looks their way.Werewolf / Mafia
Requires a narrator to moderate night rounds. High player counts are optimal to build suspense and confusion.
- Narrator facilitated play
- Player elimination mechanic
- Ideal for large parties
The Resistance / Avalon
No player elimination. Players debate on missions, making logic and voting patterns critical.
- Zero player elimination
- Mission-based voting loop
- High strategic depth
Secret Hitler
Uses election mechanics and policy draws to create mechanical doubt and fast-paced debate.
- Policy draw uncertainty
- Presidential election loop
- Fast-paced group discussions
- Social Deduction
- A genre of tabletop games where players attempt to uncover each other's hidden allegiances.
- Moderator / Narrator
- A non-playing facilitator who manages game phases, player actions, and night actions.
- Pass and Play
- A gameplay model where a single physical device is handed between participants to perform private actions.
- Hidden Agenda
- A secret victory condition or alignment separate from the player's apparent group.