How do I Play Mafia Wars?

We’ll try to go over some basic aspects of gameplay here to make sure you know how to own the back alleys and streets of your crime empire.

Crime Jobs
A mobster's gotta work! Crime jobs are a great way to earn cash and experience, especially when you’re getting your start. Some jobs require certain items, properties, or mafia size to complete. New jobs become available as you progress through the game by completing jobs, earning cash and expanding your mafia size. Use that cash to buy the tools you need to perform bigger and better jobs for a bigger payoff.

Staying Alive, Stay Fighting, Stay On Top!
In order to do anything from picking a job to picking a fight you need to maintain your health, energy and stamina. You need your health to stay alive in fights and to avoid getting knocked down from a sucker punch. You’ll need your energy to complete jobs and should you get nabbed by the cops – to break out of jail! You’ll need stamina to keep fighting. Earn cash and experience by performing jobs and picking fights! You need experience points to move up to the next level and become a more powerful criminal.

Hitlist
Check here to find out who’s got a bounty on their head, and make sure you’re not one of them! A successful hit will earn you a nice cash reward. Keep in mind being a bounty hunter will earn you easy cash, but every other mafia will be able to view the same Marked Men – first come, first served. You can place a mark on most players in your same level range from their Mafia profile as long as you’ve got the stamina and the money to pay out for a bounty.

Rackets
Exert your influence to run rackets and gain money. Each racket takes time before you can collect your take. Make sure to come back in time or someone else will bust in and take your payout.

The Bank
The streets are rough, and rival mafias are everywhere. You can safe guard your cash at the bank, but after laundering and the bank’s cut, you’ll lose about 10%. But better lose it to the bank than on the streets because during fights, you can’t lose money you have in the bank!

The Godfather
Any made man knows that when you need a little help, you go to The Godfather. He’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse. The Godfather can help you rise through the ranks and power up your Mafia quickly by giving you cash, energy or more members. You can help The Godfather out by donating or filling out offers. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to return the favor...

IF YOU ARE MISSING REWARD POINTS:

* If you purchased reward points with your credit card or Paypal: Fill out a Support Ticket
* If you have completed offers with Super Rewards and you are missing the points have to send a request to them for help. In order to do this you will need to go to the Points page and click on "Missing Points". This will display a list of offers that you have clicked on. Find the offer that you believe you completed and click "Missing these reward points". In the form that comes up paste the confirmation email that you received for completing the offer. They will then process this request and award you the points if they find that you completed it.

The Hospital
Every now and then you’re bound to get caught up in a back alley beating or drive by shooting. When you’re feeling down and low on health, visit the Hospital to pay off the doctor to get patched up and back on the streets, and off the books.

Fight
There's a war going on outside! Fight it out with other Mafia Families for honor and fame. It's your family versus theirs: each member of your Mafia is armed with the best offensive and defensive weapons you've got and same deal for your opponent. You should try to have at least one offensive weapon, one defensive weapon, and one vehicle for each member of your family. Pick fights to win cash and bragging rights on the streets.

Inventory
Where you buy and sell items. Shows the items that are available and the quantity you own. More items become available as you progress through the game.

Your Mafia Members
In Mafia Wars, you're only as strong as your family. Mafia members are essential for doing jobs and fighting other families. If your Mafia is low on members, you can recruit more.

Profile
When you gain enough experience to increase in level, you are awarded upgrade points that you can use to improve your character's attributes.

Source: Mafia Wars Cheats and Strategy