How to Use the Deception Premium Role Set in Your Games

Quick answer

To use the Deception Premium Role Set, replace the base game’s role cards with the premium set, shuffle the new Investigators into the deck, and assign the Forensic Scientist and Murderer as usual. The extra roles—Witness, Accomplice, Lab Technician, Protective Detail, and the two promos—are optional; add them only when your group is comfortable with the base roles.

Step-by-step: setting up and playing with the premium role set

1. Separate the premium role cards from your base game: Remove all role cards from your core Deception: Murder in Hong Kong box and set them aside. Keep the premium role cards in a single deck. Do not mix base and premium role cards in the same game—the backs may differ and could reveal which card is which. Checkpoint: Before shuffling, confirm every player is using a premium card so no one can identify a role by the card back.
2. Choose your role set for the session: For a standard game, use the six Investigator cards, one Forensic Scientist, and one Murderer. If you want to add optional roles, decide before dealing: the Witness and Accomplice work well for larger groups, while the Lab Technician and Protective Detail add extra layers for experienced players. Add only one or two optional roles at a time. Checkpoint: Write down which optional roles are in play so you can remind players during the game.
3. Deal the roles and set up the board: Shuffle the chosen role cards and deal one to each player. The player with the Forensic Scientist card takes the screen and sets up the board with Clue and Means cards from your base game. The Murderer reveals themselves only to the Forensic Scientist if using the Accomplice variant. All other players are Investigators (or optional roles). Checkpoint: The Forensic Scientist should double-check that the Murderer has both a Clue and a Means card face up in front of them before play begins.
4. Explain any optional roles before the first clue: If you included the Witness, tell that player they must identify the Murderer but can mislead others. The Accomplice knows the Murderer and tries to deflect suspicion. The Lab Technician and Protective Detail have specific one-time abilities—read their card text aloud so everyone understands. Do this before the Forensic Scientist gives the first clue. Checkpoint: Ask each player with an optional role to confirm they understand their ability; if not, swap the role for an Investigator card.
5. Play the round and resolve the accusation: Run the game as normal: the Forensic Scientist places clue markers, players discuss, and then each player points to a suspect and a means. If the Murderer is correctly identified, Investigators win—unless the Accomplice’s role changes the outcome (follow the Accomplice card text). If the Murderer escapes, the Murderer and Accomplice win. Checkpoint: After the first round, ask the group whether the optional roles felt balanced; remove or add roles for the next game based on that feedback.
6. Store the premium set separately: Keep the premium role cards in a small bag or tuckbox inside the main game box. Do not rubber-band them with the base cards—the textured back can pick up marks. Store them flat and away from moisture to preserve the linen finish. Checkpoint: Label the storage bag so you don’t accidentally mix premium and base role cards in future sessions.

Product facts

• Deception: Premium Role Set: Includes 15 premium role cards: 6 Investigators, 1 Forensic Scientist, 1 Murderer, 1 Witness, 1 Accomplice, 1 Lab Technician, 1 Protective Detail, 1 Consulting Detective, and 1 Clever Accomplice. You get the full core role set plus optional roles in one pack, so you can run standard games or add variety without buying multiple expansions.

  

• Deception: Premium Role Set: Cards are printed on 310 gsm black core linen card stock with a uniquely textured back. The heavier stock and linen finish improve durability and shuffle feel, while the textured back reduces card marking and sticking during play.