by Liz Simmons

Created on: November 24, 2009   Last Updated: December 03, 2009

The name of the game is offensive; most of your friends probably won't stick with it long; but if you are like I am (a little compulsive), you have found the Mafia Wars game on Facebook just a little addictive! And with a little bit of strategy, and a lot of competitive spirit, you will find that it is a game that keeps on giving in entertainment. I found lots of blogs and strategy websites out there, but some of them are very technical, and didn't address some of the issues I have had early on, when I was still in the first 30-40 levels (I am now at Level 107, which is a relative newbie in the grand scheme of players).

When I first started playing, I was on my own to figure out strategy, and as an example of how clueless I was, didn't know there were more jobs under the Associate, Enforcer, etc. Level tabs, so I was one very expert Street Thug, having done those jobs ad nauseum. It's a wonder I stayed with the game! Here are a couple of strategy tips:

If you are playing Mafia Wars and are into the Capo and Consigliere levels of jobs in New York (these are the second tier jobs beyond Level 25), you will get to the point that you are waiting for jobs to become available until you level up. While you're waiting, do jobs in Cuba, unless you really want to master the levels in New York. And while you are waiting for your cash to accrue so you can buy all necessary items in Cuba, go over to Moscow and start doing jobs. A higher level new friend gave me this tip, and I'm glad of it! Be sure to invest in a couple of companies as well, and keep selling off your supplies when you get to the maximum amount your storehouse will hold. They stop accruing when you get to the maximum supply, and that is lost income.

Also, if you fight in Cuba, when your health gets low and you have to go to the hospital to heal, go to New York, where you have much more cash related to the cost for healing. I'm just saying...!

Finally, if your real-life friends are sticks in the mud like mine, and not really into playing Mafia Wars, recruit more Mafia. There are Facebook sites like "Mafia Wars Recruitment Center, and "Mafia Wars, Add 501 Fast!" where you can find people who would like to be added to your Mafia. You can post as well, to be added to their Mafias, although I haven't figured out how you can enjoy the experience of being in someone else's Mafia, unless it's to be added to their Top Mafia levels. To add someone, simply send a Friend Request, then when they accept, click on their names (do several at a time to save yourself multiple requests) in the list on your "My Mafia" page, and click "Send Requests". They will be added to your Mafia. A similar thing will happen when you are added to theirs. Be sure to look on your Facebook Home page for requests to join their Mafia. Once you accept, they will be added to your Mafia too.

Have fun!

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