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Codology by George Kovari

Created by: George Kovari

Codology is a visually striking magic trick that combines elements of close-up and prop magic. The effect involves a piece of green wood with three holes and three pieces of rope hanging off it, with a golden satin fish on a hook ring. The magician makes the fish jump from one end to the other, and then reveals two additional fish that appear out of nowhere. This trick is perfect for family shows and kids' parties, offering a blend of visual appeal and clever misdirection.

Key features

  • Combines visual appeal with clever misdirection

  • Perfect for family shows and kids' parties

  • Includes a prop that looks like a simple piece of wood but performs incredible magic

  • The method is so clever that even knowing it, it's hard to see how it's done during performance

Pros

  • Highly visual and engaging for audiences of all ages

  • Comes with a prop that is both mysterious and intriguing

  • The method is elegant and baffling, making it a strong trick in performance

Cons

  • May require some practice to perform smoothly

  • The prop's appearance might not appeal to all magicians' tastes

Effect

Codology by George Kovari is a visually engaging and playful magic trick that involves ropes and colorful fish props. The magician shows a wooden board with three ropes hanging from it. A golden satin fish is attached to the middle rope. With a few magical gestures, the fish appears to jump from one rope to another. The climax reveals two additional fish appearing out of nowhere, creating a surprising and delightful moment for the audience.

Full Details

Codology is a classic family-friendly trick that combines simple mechanics with strong visual impact. The props consist of a wooden board with drilled holes, three ropes, and three golden satin fish. The method is cleverly hidden, making the trick appear impossible even to those familiar with rope magic. The routine is easy to learn but highly effective, making it a favorite among performers who enjoy interactive and whimsical magic.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Family entertainers – The colorful props and playful nature make it perfect for children’s shows.
  • Close-up and street performers – The visual nature of the trick works well in casual settings.
  • Magicians who enjoy prop-based magic – If you like tricks with physical objects rather than cards or coins, this is a great addition.

Difficulty

Codology is easy to learn and perform. The method relies more on presentation than complex sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners while still entertaining for experienced magicians. The key to success is in the pacing and misdirection, which enhances the magical effect.

What Magicians Say

Andy Nyman, a well-respected magician and performer, included Codology in his list of "Desert Island Tricks." He praised it as a brilliant example of deceptive simplicity, saying:

"The method is one of those methods that when you own the prop and you know how it's done, you cannot work out how everybody else can't see how it's done. It is so incredible, but it looks like real magic."

Nyman also highlighted its versatility, mentioning how he used it as a strong closer in his children’s shows, where the appearance of the extra fish always got big reactions.

Codology remains a beloved trick among performers who appreciate classic, well-constructed magic with a fun and interactive presentation.

What people are saying about Codology

Andy Nyman says...

Codology is a piece of green wood drilled through three holes with three pieces of rope hanging off it. The right hand side has a golden satin fish on a sort of hook ring thing. It's a family trick, a kids trick, but the method is one of the most dazzling pieces of magical thinking I've come across in my 40 Years of loving magic.

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