Both North and South bid slightly higher, and they reached three nine trumps with only eight moves and not many chances for a ninth. The heart lead gives South no chance, but when South bids a heart it is impossible for West to find the lead.

South took an early diamond lead with his ace and led 10 clubs to dummy’s alone. It was a good technical game with East holding singleton jacks or nine suits. Clubs are usually split, so South runs the entire suit except for this position:

Reading the position perfectly, South led a diamond to his king as East flushed hearts, cashed the ace of hearts, and led out with hearts. East won, winning two more hearts and an ace of spades, but then had to give dummy a king of spades for declarer’s ninth trick. Very well played!