How to Play Secret Hitler
A social deduction game of hidden identities and political intrigue
Game Overview
Players
5-10 players
Best with 7-8Duration
30-45 minutes
Per gameType
Social Deduction
Hidden rolesTheme
Political intrigue
1930s GermanyThe Objective
Pass 5 Liberal policies OR identify and execute Hitler
Pass 6 Fascist policies OR have Hitler elected Chancellor after 3 Fascist policies
Game Setup
Role Assignment
Each player secretly receives a role card. The number of each role depends on player count:
Policy Deck
Shuffle the policy deck containing:
Game Board
Set up the game board with policy tracks and executive power spaces.
Game Flow
1. Presidential Election
Each round begins with the election of a new President. The President nominates a Chancellor candidate.
2. Chancellor Vote
All players vote Ja (Yes) or Nein (No) on the Chancellor candidate. A majority is required to pass.
3. Policy Legislation
If elected, the President draws 3 policy cards, discards 1, and the Chancellor chooses from the remaining 2.
4. Executive Powers
Certain Fascist policies unlock special abilities for the President.
5. Repeat
The game continues until a win condition is met.
Voting Example
Players vote simultaneously by showing their vote card. A majority of "Ja" votes elects the Chancellor.
Player Roles
Liberal
You are a member of the Liberal party, fighting against fascism.
Your Goals:
- Pass Liberal policies
- Identify and eliminate Hitler
- Work with other Liberals
What You Know:
You know you are Liberal, but you don't know who the other Liberals are.
Fascist
You are a member of the Fascist party, working to establish fascist control.
Your Goals:
- Pass Fascist policies
- Help Hitler get elected
- Deceive the Liberals
What You Know:
You know you are Fascist and who the other Fascists are, but not who Hitler is.
Hitler
You are Hitler, the leader of the Fascist party.
Your Goals:
- Pass Fascist policies
- Get elected Chancellor after 3 Fascist policies
- Stay hidden from Liberals
What You Know:
You know you are Hitler, but you don't know who the other Fascists are.
Executive Powers
As Fascist policies are enacted, the President gains special abilities that can help their team or gather information.
Policy Peek
Look at the top 3 cards of the policy deck.
Investigation
Investigate a player's loyalty card.
Special Election
Choose the next Presidential candidate.
Power Usage Tips
- Policy Peek: Use to plan future turns or bluff about what you saw
- Investigation: Target players you suspect or want to confirm
- Special Election: Choose players who will help your team's agenda
Veto Power (Unlocked at 5 Fascist Policies)
After 5 Fascist policies are enacted, the Veto Power is unlocked for the rest of the game.
Chancellor Proposes Veto
When reviewing the 2 policies, the Chancellor may propose to veto the agenda instead of enacting a policy.
President Decides
The President may accept or reject the veto proposal.
Outcome
If accepted: Both policies are discarded, election tracker advances by 1.
If rejected: Chancellor must enact one of the two policies.
Warning: If 3 elections fail in a row (including vetoes), a random policy is enacted from the top of the deck (Chaos Policy).
Winning the Game
Liberal Victory
Fascist Victory
End Game Considerations
- Liberal Execution: If Hitler is executed, Liberals win immediately
- Policy Victory: Track progress on both policy tracks
- Hidden Information: Remember that players may be bluffing about their roles
- Social Deduction: Pay attention to voting patterns and policy choices