Double Tap by Rick Holcombe

Double Tap Trick Analysis

Effect

The “Double Tap” trick involves a seemingly impossible series of coin transpositions. An audience observes a magician holding a silver coin, a Chinese coin, and a copper coin. Through a series of simple, almost imperceptible waves of the hand, the magician causes the coins to repeatedly and unexpectedly change positions – the silver coin vanishes, the copper coin vanishes, and the Chinese coin vanishes, all without the coins leaving the magician’s hand. The effect creates a strong sense of wonder and misdirection.

Full Details

Calico, a 160-page book by Rick Holcombe, presents a collection of 14 coin magic routines. The book is divided into four sections: Sleights, Part One, Part Two, and Part Three. A key element of the book is the “Double Tap” routine, which Holcombe has recently developed a new phase for. The routine utilizes a silver coin, a copper coin, and a Chinese coin, alongside a copper/silver gaff. The routines are designed for varied audiences and emphasize visual clarity. Holcombe stresses the importance of spectator involvement and the use of different colored coins to enhance the impact of the effects. The video demonstrates a core principle: a simple wave can be used to create surprising and rapid coin transpositions.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who appreciate clean, visually engaging coin magic. It’s particularly well-suited for performers who value routines that can be performed with minimal audience interaction, yet still create a strong illusion. The “Double Tap” routine, as presented in Calico, is designed to be accessible to performers of varying skill levels, with some techniques described as relatively easy to master. Magicians seeking to expand their repertoire with a trick that relies on subtle hand movements and misdirection will find this routine appealing.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The core techniques involved in the “Double Tap” routine – the wave-based coin transpositions – are considered relatively simple to learn. Rick Holcombe explicitly states that the book contains techniques that can be mastered quickly. However, achieving a smooth, deceptive presentation requires practice and attention to detail. The success of the trick hinges on the magician’s ability to execute the hand movements with precision and maintain a confident, understated demeanor. The use of different colored coins adds a layer of complexity, requiring the magician to consistently maintain awareness of the coin positions.

What Magicians Say

Rick Holcombe, the creator of the “Double Tap” routine, emphasizes that coin magic doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. He states, “my aim is simple I want to give you coin magic that’s practical amazing and visual.” He highlights the routine’s versatility, noting that it can be performed in a variety of settings and with different audiences. Vanishing Inc., the production company behind the promotional video, describes the book as “a comprehensive collection of coin magic routines and techniques.” MurphysMagicSupplies, in their review, notes that Holcombe’s presentations are “understated but the magic speaks for itself.” Holcombe also stresses the importance of spectator involvement, stating, “this is coin magic that’s meant to be performed in the real world and to involve your Spectators.”