Foster-Johnson Pad by Parapad

Effect

The Foster-Johnson Pad is an impression device used in mentalism. A spectator writes down a piece of information—such as a word, number, or name—on a sheet of paper. They then tear it out and conceal it, making it impossible for the performer to see what was written. Despite this, the magician can accurately reveal the information as if reading the spectator's mind.

In the updated Foster-Johnson version, the spectator places the torn-out paper into an opaque envelope, further reinforcing the impossibility of the revelation. The method remains completely hidden, making the effect appear clean and impossible.

Full Details

The Foster-Johnson Pad is an evolution of the classic Parapad, designed for subtle information gathering. The key difference is the addition of an envelope, which enhances the deception by making the revelation seem even more impossible. The pad itself looks ordinary, with no visible gimmicks, and the method allows the performer to obtain the information without any suspicious moves.

AJ DeBeck, a magician and mentalist, highlights its deceptive nature, stating: "When it comes to mentalism and gaining information, I've had excellent success with parapad... the Foster-Johnson pad is basically a parapad but after the participant tears the paper out, you hand them an opaque envelope to put their folded paper in... it's very clever and I've loved the updated handling."

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Mentalists who want a reliable method for obtaining secret information.
• Performers who prefer impromptu-style effects with minimal setup.
• Magicians who enjoy psychological deception over complex sleight of hand.
• Those who perform close-up or parlour magic and need a versatile tool for mind-reading routines.

Difficulty

The Foster-Johnson Pad is not technically demanding. The method is straightforward, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. However, the effectiveness relies on presentation and misdirection. Performers must handle the pad and envelope naturally to avoid suspicion.

AJ DeBeck notes that the updated handling feels "slightly more justified and also personally seems a bit more impossible," indicating that even subtle refinements in method can enhance the effect.

What Magicians Say

AJ DeBeck, a helicopter pilot and part-time magician, includes the Foster-Johnson Pad in his "Desert Island Tricks" list, praising its deceptive nature and practicality. He states: "I love this method when seeming genuinely impromptu... it's inconceivable how I'm able to know what they're thinking of."

The addition of the envelope in the Foster-Johnson version makes the effect even stronger, as it removes any possibility of the performer glimpsing the information. This small but impactful update makes the trick more convincing in performance.

For magicians looking for a reliable, easy-to-use mentalism tool, the Foster-Johnson Pad offers a powerful method with minimal effort. Its deceptive nature and clean handling make it a strong choice for both beginners and experienced performers.