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Ian Baxter

Ian Baxter

Entered the world in 1946, the magic world in 1952, witnessing his first trick from a great uncle, who threaded a door key on to a piece of string and with a wave of the hand, the key fell to the floor. The magic bug set in right there and then.

Grandfather followed up with a coin trick and then his father took him in to Bernard's Magic Shop in Melbourne. A few pocket tricks were purchased and this further encouraged the young Baxter towards performing. By the time he was 14, sleight of hand had taken a firm hold.

Decades down the track and magic with cards, coins, small objects and an occasional venture towards mind reading is what keeps the fascination on hold.

Still not retired from vocation as a piano tuner and technician, but has cut back on commercial gigs in order to spend more time with family. Enjoys writing up tailored versions of known classics and when time permits, relaxing over a quiet game of chess.

Coauthors: Barry Govan, Murray Cooper, Gerry McCreanor

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Ian Baxter
Pointless! by Ian Baxter

Here is a fall-over-easy card trick that has taken in well-informed magicians. Based on Ken de Courcy’s ‘You Do As I Do’ approach called [lp=922355You’ll Get The Point], Baxter rises to the occasion with a baffling presentation using a cleverly concealed, ancient principle. Totally impromptu, no gimmicks, set up or sleights.

Why the extraneous procedure of changing packets? To Ian, this seems totally unnecessary, although (obviously) the mechanics of the trick, as is, necessitate it. This effect is almost exactly the same as the de Courcy contribution, but the method is altogether different.

1st edition 2018, 2 pages....

★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Vernon's 1-2-3 Revisited by Ian Baxter

A perennial favorite in card magic: A chosen card is lost in the deck and the performer, showing the Ace, Two and Three of one suit, offers to change whichever is picked into the selection. That is exactly what happens, with Baxter’s smooth method making good use of The Ascanio Spread, achieving just that. Full instructions given, straightforward and easy to learn.

This revision of the Vernon classic not only underlines the all-important simplicity angle by using a shortcut display move, but dispenses with Vernon's need for Palming. Bruce Elliott briefly touched on this in the concluding lines...

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Elective One-Eyed Jacks by Ian Baxter

That popular card plot One-Eyed Jack Sandwich is given a new lease of life here, with the assisting spectator being asked where the magic is to take place – within the deck or out of it. Themed after a 1930’s classic The Charmed Watch, this smooth handling is sure to delight the most fastidious card man.

The One-Eyed Jack Sandwich theme was popularized by Harry Lorayne. However, it was none other than the Australian Charles Wicks who started the ball rolling, with his contribution The Charmed Watch appearing in The Magic Wand journal over eighty years ago. Ian's streamlined version keeps within the guidelines of...

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Scarne Thinks Again by Ian Baxter

Here is a 21st Century version of John Scarne's Think-A-Card, published by U.F. Grant back in 1938. Whereas Scarne's version relied on the convenience of writing predictions on cigarette papers, Baxter completely dispenses with this quaint idea with a new, slick presentation.

Daley was really fired up about this highly effective mental test from the ingenious Scarne: "You are about to become the possessor of a rare and beautiful gem in mental magic" he enthused. "Simple in its modus operandi and yet so tremendously effective...an almost perfect demonstration of mind reading."

Scarne, a universally recognized...

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
The Guarantee Card by Ian Baxter

"Another look at the Three Of Clubs problem" and you will be hard pressed to find an easier, more practical application than this one. Performer places a card on the table, spectator thinks of and names any card in the deck. Performer turns over his prediction and wow...that's it!

The raw effect is impressive: Performer extracts a card from the deck, placing it face down to the table. Spectator now names any card that comes to mind, with the tabled selection revealed as the one thought of. Yes, as brief and as straightforward as that.

A firm favourite that has been making the rounds for...

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Departure Lounge by Ian Baxter

British magician Alex Elmsley carved a permanent niche for himself into the field of card magic, not only for his Elmsley Count, but two outstanding effects: "Between Your Palms" and "Point Of Departure". This manuscript explores a new and combined approach to these, put together by Ian Baxter. Easy, straightforward and uncomplicated. One of Baxter's best and highly recommended.

1st edition 2019, PDF 4 pages.

$4
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Ian Baxter
2020 Vision Fault by Ian Baxter

Ian Baxter steps forward with yet another twist on a classic from the past. Eddie Clever's Hallucination gets a working over here, thanks to a recently published variation from Todd Karr.

"A very direct effect here - entertaining presentation, plays big, kicker ending and can be done with a borrowed deck. This card mystery has it all!" - David Jones

1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages.

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Himber Happening by Ian Baxter

From Ian Baxter, a breathtaking new approach to Al Koran's classic Five Star Prediction. The effect is as straightforward as could be expected: A prediction removed from a wallet and handed to a spectator, matches a freely chosen card from a shuffled deck.

"A significant improvement with a radical new use for the Himber Wallet. Very clever thinking indeed. Perfect!" - David Jones

"Loved It. Very, very clean, Loved the fact that the deck is shuffled at the outset. Cannot fault it." - Charles Gauci

1st edition 2020, PDF 6 pages.

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Essayed Prophesy by Ian Baxter

From Ian Baxter, here is a remarkable 21st Century version of Bill Simon's famed Business Card Prophecy - virtually sleight-free and within reach of any card handler.

"A modern-day approach based on casual handling and natural misdirection, achieving the same outcome while eliminating the move entirely. Very clever thinking." - David Jones

1st edition 2020, PDF 4 pages.

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Smooth Elevator by Ian Baxter

Edward Marlo originated The Elevator Cards back in 1948 and now, Ian Baxter's latest streamlined offering is available. Short, snappy and to the point, with several strong magical moments. This is totally impromptu, practically sleight free and is sure to please the most discriminating card worker. This is one of Baxter's best!

1st edition 2020, PDF 7 pages.

★★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Three Extras by Ian Baxter

Francis Carlyle and Faucett Ross get coverage in this latest manuscript from Ian Baxter. In a tribute to both of these giants from the past, Baxter examines Carlyle's 'The Card That Finds Itself' with a new and novel approach, while the Ross classic 'Twice Turned' gets a dusting off that adds value-plus to this popular effect from the Vernon Chronicles. The third entry is Baxter's technique for the Top Palm, unbelievably fast, straightforward and appreciably easier than most other methods in print.

1st edition 2020, PDF 9 pages.

$4
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Ian Baxter
Delightful by Ian Baxter

The ingenious Paul Curry, creator of 'Out Of This World' was also responsible for a number of other timely favourites - 'Open Prediction' being a standout and attracting variations a-plenty from card experts everywhere.

Ian Baxter has fashioned a particularly appealing version of this classic, written in his inimitable style and now available in an easy-to-read manuscript - totally impromptu, simple to perform, no fakes, stranger cards, or hidden accessories. Skills need are minimal. A delight indeed!

1st edition 2021, PDF 4 pages.

★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Seven at a Picnic by Ian Baxter

John Racherbaumer's latest compendium Picnic Pocus, has certainly revived interest in that long-standing Ace revelation, Poker Player's Picnic. Published years back in The Royal Road to Card Magic, it is a routine most of us perform when starting out in card magic, but eventually, drop from our repertoire due to the odd counting method involved.

Ian Baxter's new approach to this classic has solved this problem, providing a clear rationale for the procedure and adding touches that considerably enhance the routine's effectiveness while still maintaining the sleight-free handling of the original. Clever thinking at work here! This new version is worthy...

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Rapid Double Reverse by Ian Baxter

It is almost impossible to imagine any card expert worth his salt to have either ignored or overlooked Double Reverse. Here is a firm favourite that has entertained audiences for decades. Now, Australian card man Ian Baxter steps forward with a brand-new approach that will knock your socks off. Two cards chosen, one by spectator, another by the performer, then in the blink of an eye they both reverse in the deck. But here is the cruncher: Baxter's handling allows the effect to be presented, believe it or not, in well under one minute! Not be missed and a bargain at just $4.00.

1st edition...

★★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Jogging my Memory by Ian Baxter

Who among us is not familiar with injogs and outjogs? Since the days of Erdnase, these very handy adjuncts have helped enable magicians to turn out miraculous feats of card magic.

Card man Ian Baxter offers up an unusual use for the humble injog here in his latest manuscript. This is the venerable 'STOP' trick with a difference and you will be most impressed. Positively no complicated sleights or outrageous moves in this strictly commercial adaptation of a classic. Don't pass this one up!

1st edition 2021, PDF 4 pages.

$4
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Ian Baxter
Further Than Expected by Ian Baxter

Hard to believe that eighty years have passed since the Stewart James card classic Further Than That was first published in Annemann's magazine, The Jinx. Card workers everywhere latched on to this intriguing, self-working mystery; the passing years have not dimmed its popularity one iota.

Just recently, Jon Racherbaumer released a very worthwhile compilation, Further More. Essential reading and yes, currently available through lybrary.com.

And now on offer, Further Than Expected from Australian card man and author Ian Baxter. This is a brand new, reconstructed approach that freely alters the proceedings while still maintaining the essential,...

★★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Ten-Four by Ian Baxter

Australian card man Ian Baxter has nailed it once again! Here is a straightforward, anytime, anywhere mystery that will leave audiences scratching their heads.

No fakes, gaffs or stranger cards are employed. An ordinary deck, borrowed or supplied by you, is the sole requirement. Ten-Four, a radio call sign, means "everything is okay" but in this case, it also spells out what is involved. The four tens end up cavorting from the deck to the table and back again, with a jaw-dropping finish. And there is room for a spot of humour as well.

Acknowledgment must be made to Tom Ogden of Hollywood, California,...

★★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Nicely Stabbed! by Ian Baxter

Ian Baxter here, introducing something new from me in the 'Card Stabbing' arena. Nicely Stabbed! offers not one but two approaches to this evergreen card mystery. But rather than have me rattle on about this, I'll ask reviewer and fellow Australian David Jones to offer his opinion.

When Ian Baxter told me that his next manuscript involved the concept of forcing an unknown card, I was intrigued, to say the least. What resulted from this offbeat thought was a very clever, streamlined and almost sleight-free method for a known classic. A spectator stabs a card anywhere into the deck and ends...

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Refining Vernon's 1-2-3 by Ian Baxter

"It's not easy to improve on a trick by Dai Vernon, but Ian Baxter has managed to do just that!"

A timely observation from reviewer David Jones, who has hit the nail right on the head. Here is an easy, clever new treatment of a respected Vernon classic. Don't be surprised if you find yourself performing Refining Vernon's 1-2-3 over and over again.

Jones continues: "This streamlined handling of Vernon's 1-2-3 is so much cleaner than the original, more magical in effect and far easier to perform. It's a winner!"

This familiar, fast-moving card mystery has been 'doing the rounds' for decades:...

★★★★ $4
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Ian Baxter
Simple ACAAN by Ian Baxter

Five approaches to the popular 'Any Card At Any Number' problem that rely more on subtlety than sleight of hand. As the title implies, the approaches are uncomplicated and well within reach of the beginner in card magic. One of Baxter's most popular titles.

From the Preface:

The evergreen Any Card At Any Number equation continues to attract new and novel approaches from card experts of all levels.

This modest manuscript unleashes five techniques of my own devising, each the result of reading Ken Krenzel's inspiring book Relaxed Impossibilities. With a careful text by Stephen Minch, the chapters...

★★★★ $5
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Ian Baxter
Three Jacks Bettered by Ian Baxter

Jon Racherbaumer steps forward with a very keen Introduction to this Baxter treatment of the classic Three Jacks Deal. “…celebrate and perform Baxter’s latest, evolutionary entry.” It has been around since 1928, but this version guides it well into the 21st century.

Ian Baxter has accomplished something remarkable. He has taken a wonderful classic self-working effect, that has been described and worked on by such luminaries as Walter Gibson, John Scarne, Rufus Steele, Harry Lorayne, Ed Marlo and made it even better, more direct, less dealing procedures while preserving the effect, the sleight-less feature as well as adding an additional climax....

★★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
Three For All by Ian Baxter

A collection of three re-worked card classics and as Dan Tong says in his Introduction, “Ian has produced three very usable approaches to three classic effects.” That says it all!

Easygoing Carlyle is a no-palm Card To Pocket with a repeat phase that any serious magician can do in a few days. It is almost self-working.

With Nicely Controlled, Ian has refashioned an old trick that was a favorite of none other than S. Leo Horowitz.

Follow The Leader is certainly a classic. What Ian offers here is a six card routine that is simpler to set up than most of the older eight card routines...

★★★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
Three To Consider by Ian Baxter

This ebook continues where Ian stopped with his Five Kinks series. His tinkering with classic routines continues.

Too Easy Ace Cutting sees Ian reducing sleights to an absolute minimum for this timeless favorite, adding a surprise ending.

Distinctive Side Steal describes a handling for this sleight which resolves the one fundamental problem with the move, making it far easier to acquire.

Brown's Wandering Card: Ian describes his own version here and includes a subtlety which significantly enhances the deceptiveness of Brown's routine.

1st edition 2019, 17 pages.

$6
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Ian Baxter
Another Three To Consider by Ian Baxter

Australian card and close-up identity Ian Baxter steps forward with yet another assortment, "...three gems which he has dusted off and streamlined for your enjoyment in the pages that follow." So says David Jones in his enthusiastic introduction.

Jones continues: "As with his Five Kinks series, or his previous offering Three To Consider, Ian has once again provided us with three very entertaining card mysteries, all of which are high audience impact, but require minimal sleights."

Scarne's Certified Thought, Mark Of The Whistler, and Random Paradox all attest to Baxter's revisions.

1st edition 2019, 13 pages....

$6
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Ian Baxter
A Further Three To Consider by Ian Baxter

Baxter jumps in yet again with three stunning revisions of classics mined from the past. "Marlo Off The Cuff", "Above And Below" and "Redemption Poker Deal". David Jones once again steps forward with a pertinent Introduction: "...another collection of highly effective card tricks accomplished through careful construction rather than complicated sleight of hand. Each of these is a 'worker' and worthy of your attention." That says it all!

1st edition 2019, PDF 11 pages.

$6
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Ian Baxter
More Strands by Ian Baxter

Three more stunning, completely impromptu card gems from Ian Baxter. Taking It Easy is reason enough to acquire this manuscript. You won't ever find a smoother, easier version of The Lazy Magician than this. Simple, concise and with a first rate presentation slant, as are two other mysteries ... Guide Card and Jump.

1st edition 2020, PDF 9 pages.

$6
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Ian Baxter
Further Strands by Ian Baxter

Third in his 'Strands' manuscript series, Ian Baxter shares his version of Charlie Miller's classic Dunbury Delusion, an extremely effective transposition of two chosen cards entitled Open and Close, plus an unusual handling of Dai Vernon's Multiple Card Pass. Card men everywhere will be sure to benefit from this material.

1st edition 2020, PDF 12 pages.

$6
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Ian Baxter
Three Good Deals by Ian Baxter

Growing tired of long, arduous Poker Deals that magicians love and audiences can loathe? All too often when a spectator remarks: "I wouldn't like to play cards with you!" the performer unleashes a twenty-minute Poker demonstration, often laced with countless sleights and bloated yarn about a shady Mexican gambler. The entertainment quotient is immediately stifled; it is all just 'too much.'

Looking to jettison these overbearing routines? Author Ian Baxter has put together some practical alternatives - three highly entertaining, well-paced Poker Deals in one exceptional manuscript. Easy, delightful...

★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
Baxter's Ambitious Card by Ian Baxter

A treasured classic in anyone's language, "The Ambitious Card" absolutely runs rings around most other card effects. Of the versions in print, a few too many are on the difficult side, but not this one.

Ian Baxter has finally released his extraordinary version - a streamlined, baffling approach that he has used for decades. And the best part of this? It is, as you might guess, straightforward and undemanding. No more than basic card skills are required ... Hindu Shuffle, Overhand Shuffle, Double Lift, Bluff Pass, very little else. Guaranteed to please!

1st edition 2021, PDF 10 pages.

★★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
Paul Rosini's Discoveries by Ian Baxter

Paul Rosini was one of the all-time 20th Century greats of the magic world, with numerous contributions in print and a reputation that few have approached. His skill and charm guaranteed him a permanent niche in the pantheon of card magic.

In this exclusive manuscript, Ian Baxter offers up his handling of three Rosini favourites - The Peek Trick, Follow Your Card and Change In Hand. Once again Baxter turns his thoughts towards a touch of streamlining and simplifying, utilising the most basic of sleights to achieve the self-same effects that Rosini presented.

This trio is a game-changer...

★★★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
Sitting Down with Mr. Brown by Ian Baxter

Just one card, merely thought of, mysteriously jumps from one packet to another.

Sound familiar? Of course, and there is no finer example of this treasured classic than Edward G. Brown's Wandering Card, published by Willane, back in 1952.

Usually presented as a stand-alone effect for the platform or stage, Brown's effect has lost none of its popularity over the ensuring years - spawning many variations that tackle the innate difficulty of the crucial packet switch. Unfortunately, many of these have proven to be, for one reason or another, impractical.

Australian card man Ian Baxter...

★★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
Three Favourites by Ian Baxter

Stewart Judah was one of the twentieth century's most celebrated card experts, contributing to that classic text Greater Magic as one of the famed 'Card Stars Of The U.S.A.' and winning accolades from experts everywhere. Author John Northern Hilliard wrote "I would rather see him do a card trick than go to a convention." Such was his reputation.

In this new manuscript, author Ian Baxter shares his version of a Judah favourite, Not Your Card? - with the level of astonishment fully intact, but offering an approach that is far better suited to the close-up table.

Moving The Aces is Baxter's latest handling for that classic...

$6
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Ian Baxter
Easy Touch by Ian Baxter

Paul Curry is a name that captures the attention of magicians everywhere, thanks to his famous card trick Out Of This World. Invented by Curry back in 1942, it remains an absolute staple for the self-working card enthusiast.

Not to be overlooked, however, was Curry's initial blast onto the magic scene five years earlier. Launched in 1937, Touch was (and still is) by any measure, a superlative card mystery. Over the years, variations from the experts have appeared in print. Some of these have been downright disappointing because they have been far too complicated, or like Curry's original, the burden...

★★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
Chased Marriages by Ian Baxter

Australian card man Ian Baxter presents a brand-new, revamped handling of that timeless classic, Royal Marriages.

Totally impromptu and free of sleights, fakes, stranger cards, accessories and the like. You won't find so much as a camouflaged in-jog here in this modernised gem where the Kings and Queens of the pack magically pair up in their correct suits. Just eight cards are used, the four Kings and four Queens from any deck.

Reviewer David Jones sums it up: "A simple and effective little mystery. Short, stunning and entirely sleight free. Another winner from Ian Baxter."

And the...

★★★★★ $6
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Ian Baxter
The Turnstile Pass by Ian Baxter

It was none other than Channing Pollock who stepped forward with this keen endorsement of Ian Baxter's The Turnstile Pass: "Beautifully written and detailed. Yes, I recommend it! And - I just love your self-deprecating humor." A smooth card pass that enunciates the importance of using a distractive move to cover the mechanics. Three first rate effects are included as well.

The Turnstile Pass is Ian Baxter's variation of a Hermann style pass that does not require a turnover of the packet, as is typically the case with Hermann type passes. As a bonus you will get three routines using this pass: ...

★★★★★ $7
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Ian Baxter
Twist plus Bonus by Ian Baxter

Dai Vernon's Twisting The Aces, has for decades been regarded as an all-time classic and thankfully, the new wave of 21st Century card experts still carry the torch for this perennial favourite. Over the years, new additions and presentations are published, adding even further interest to this wonderful effect.

Australian card man Ian Baxter admits to having performed TTA for sixty years, starting just three years following its publication in 1960. Up until recently, he performed it totally 'as is' from Dai Vernon's More Inner Secrets Of Card Magic.

"Tampering with a Vernon treasure such as TTA, can often promote controversy" admits Baxter....

★★★★★ $8
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