Rick Holcombe is a highly respected magician based in North Carolina, renowned for his expertise in contemporary coin magic. He is a prolific creator, celebrated for simplifying complex sleights while maintaining their impact, making his routines both accessible and deceptive. His work emphasizes portability, practicality, and visual appeal, often using minimal props like three coins and no gimmicks.
Key Contributions and Works:
Sly Palm: Holcombe’s debut release, Sly Palm, introduced a versatile new sleight that’s easier than the classic palm but just as effective. It’s taught in a comprehensive project with routines that require practice but are designed to be clean and deceptive. The sleight has been praised for its innovative approach and adaptability.
Trilogy: This includes three notable routines:
Silver Suspension: A modern take on David Roth’s “Hanging Coins,” where coins appear to suspend in a beam of light from a spectator’s phone, avoiding edge grip for broader appeal.
Compression: A visually striking routine where three coins compress to two, then one, and finally a speck, before re-expanding.
Saturn’s Return: A three-phase routine with a surprising coin production and a unique coins-across sequence.
Recoil: A routine that transforms metal in a visually engaging way, noted for minimal pocket space and simple sleights, though it’s currently out of stock at Penguin Magic.
Calico: A recent release (March 2025) featuring refined, modern coin routines designed to challenge stereotypes about coin magic being dull.
Trip: A coin magic book discussed in magic forums, showcasing his ability to create accessible yet sophisticated effects.
Background and Philosophy:
Holcombe is a stay-at-home father, which has influenced his approach to magic, focusing on practical, portable effects that fit into everyday life. His philosophy centers on “great thinking” to advance the art, making complex moves feel effortless without compromising deception. He’s known for clear teaching, often including detailed video tutorials and eBooks, and credits other creators generously.
Community Involvement:
Holcombe is likely involved with the Raleigh Magic Club, a chartered chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) and Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.), given his prominence in North Carolina’s magic scene. The club offers workshops and performance critiques, aligning with his focus on teaching and innovation.
He’s active in online magic communities, with a YouTube channel dedicated to coin magic tutorials, theory, and performances, and has been featured in podcasts like Of Sleights and Men, where he discussed his creative process and fatherhood.
Recognition:
His work has been published in Genii magazine (September 2019), a prestigious platform for magicians.
He’s a leading authority in coin magic, with routines praised for their creativity and practicality, earning him reverence among peers and enthusiasts
