[6] Kirkus Reviews noted that the book touched on similar themes as Friedman's first novel, Circles, which was published in 1962.

"[4] The News & Observer wrote positively about the story and compared Friedman to Thomas Wolfe.

[5] A review in the Chicago Tribune described the novel as a "direct and powerful" presentation of existentialism, while The Cincinnati Enquirer recommended it to "bridge fanatic[s]" and "dope fiend[s].

[10] A review in the San Francisco Examiner acknowledged Friedman's talent as a writer but criticized the novel's tone.

[11] Pierre Fourrier, writing in the Los Angeles Times, said that the novel was "no more successful" than the bridge hand its title was derived from and described Friedman's prose as "often a drag.