Lati Kola

Lati Kola is a traditional social deduction card game originating from Nigeria. The game is typically played with a specialized deck of cards featuring characters, locations, and actions related to Nigerian folklore and societal roles.

The core gameplay revolves around players being assigned hidden roles, some being "good" villagers trying to identify and eliminate the "bad" characters (typically witches or rogues) who are secretly working against the village. Other roles with special abilities might exist, adding complexity and strategic depth to the game.

The game proceeds in phases, alternating between "day" and "night." During the "day" phase, players openly discuss and accuse each other, attempting to deduce each other's roles based on observed behavior and claims. Eventually, the villagers vote to eliminate a suspected "bad" character. During the "night" phase, certain characters with special abilities, such as the witches, can perform actions in secret, like choosing a villager to eliminate.

The game continues until either the "good" villagers have successfully eliminated all the "bad" characters, or the "bad" characters have outnumbered the "good" villagers, leading to their victory.

Lati Kola's gameplay emphasizes social interaction, deception, and deduction, making it a popular choice for social gatherings and game nights within Nigeria and among the diaspora. While commercially produced versions exist, the game is often played with handmade cards and adapted rules, reflecting local variations and preferences.