Bridge players are taught to "count winners in notrump, but count losers in a suit contract." Although this is good advice, sometimes, counting winners in a suit contract can be more helpful.

Declarer won the heart lead and began drawing trumps. He was very disappointed to see West show out on the second round. South then turned his attention to diamonds, hoping for a 3-3 split which would enable him to set up his fourth diamond. But, when that suit divided 4-2, he was unable to win 10 tricks.

South was unhappy and unlucky. The question is, was he also unwise? Before reading on, consider whether or not a tenth trick was available.

Declarer could have done better. He had eight winners in high cards: AK, AK, A and AKQ. If spades divided 3-2, declarer’s last two trumps would be good. In fact, if the opponent’s diamonds split 3-3, South would have been able to make an overtrick. However, if neither suit split, the only way to win two additional tricks would be to ruff twice in his hand.

Here is the best continuation: