Most rounds aren't won with the gun. They're won before it's even drawn — by figuring out who the Murderer is early. The Sheriff who reads the room correctly wins without firing. The Murderer who blends in never gets chased. Deduction boils down to three things: behavior, position, and reaction.
Behavior's the biggest tell. Someone lingering near a body without saying anything? Suspicious. A player who suddenly changes direction the moment you approach? They might be circling for a kill. Someone tailing the same person across the whole map? They're hunting. Don't judge on one moment — watch the pattern over 20–30 seconds. A flinch isn't proof. A pattern is.
Who was in sight when the victim dropped? Players on the far side of the map are probably clear. The Sheriff should mentally map who was where in the seconds before each kill. If the same name keeps showing up "near but not at" every kill scene? That's your lead. Follow it.
Players who freak out when accused — pleading, deflecting, pointing at everyone else — are usually hiding something. Calm players with clear alibis are probably innocent. A wrong accusation helps the Murderer more than the accuser, so don't call someone out until you're sure. And if you're the Sheriff and you're not sure? Wait. One more kill is better than shooting an innocent.
A few things to keep in mind:
Maps affect where people hide and how they move: Maps Guide. Role-specific tips: Roles Guide. Want more advanced reads? The Strategy Guide has you covered.