Hidden roles
Wink Murder
Also called Killer, Winking Killer, Wink Detective
A secret killer eliminates players by winking at them; a detective has three guesses to catch them.
- people
- 8–30
- time
- 15 min
- energy
- Medium
- materials
- No materials
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Everyone sits in a circle facing inward. Send the detective out of earshot, then the host taps one player on the head to make them the killer.
- 1The detective returns and stands in the middle.
- 2The killer winks at players one at a time; anyone winked at waits a few seconds, then 'dies' dramatically.
- 3The detective has three guesses to name the killer.
- 4The killer wins if they eliminate everyone or the detective runs out of guesses.
What to say3
- 1“Detective, step outside. Everyone else — eyes closed, heads down.”
- 2“If you get winked at, count to five, then die. Make it dramatic!”
- 3“Detective, you have three guesses. Who is our killer?”
Host tips3
- Victims who die the instant they are winked at give the killer away. Make everyone count to five before dying.
- Some people cannot wink. Allow a quick tongue-out or a double blink instead — say so out loud so nobody feels singled out.
- Have the dead players stay in the circle and keep looking around. When they leave, the circle shrinks and the killer has nowhere to hide.
Variants2
Walking killer
Everyone mingles around the room instead of sitting. Good during a party when people are already standing.
Two killers
For groups of 20 or more, pick two killers so the round does not drag.
Safety1
- Keep the 'deaths' seated or slumping in the chair — kids love to fling themselves on the floor into chair legs.
Good for
Occasions
ChristmasBirthdaySchoolRetreatReunionTeam building
Venues
Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hall