Explore Declarer Play
Consider declarer play in four hearts; the following diagram is rotated (showing South as declarer). The opponents passed throughout. The opening lead is the nine of diamonds.
Bonus from Val: If trumps are 3-2 (and usually they will be), you have nine top tricks, a chance for a tenth trick if the club Ace is on your left (West), and a chance for a tenth trick if either spade honor is on your right (East). You can take advantage of both extra chances, but the extra chance in spades probably requires being able to finesse twice, so you need to be careful about entries. Win the diamond lead with the King, then King of hearts, and heart to the Ace (West – your LHO — followed with the eight and Jack, East – your RHO — with the three and four). Now the ten of spades which East covers. Win the Ace, pull the last trump, and force out the remaining top spade. When East wins that trick, you have eleven tricks regardless of where the Ace of clubs is located. Deal V098.
To explore alternative lines of play and defense, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/yrucp3ta