best line please

[Ralph Parker]

playing a butler you find yourself in 4h on the 9 of diamonds lead, oppos dont bid, anyone like to suggest the best play on the next few tricks?I am assuming the heart finess is a poor choice
sx KQ9xx
hx AQxx
dx Q
cx xxx


sx Jx
hx Jxxx
dx AKJ10
cx KQx

[KiwiFraser]

Win in dummy and pull a spade. Establishing the side suit while I have an entry. Don't think diamond is singleton, but if it can be top of 4 small I would be tempted to run the diamonds ditching 3 clubs, then playing SJ. Just to cater for a bad trump layout.

[Ralph Parker]

playing a butler you find yourself in 4h on the 9 of diamonds lead, oppos dont bid, anyone like to suggest the best play on the next few tricks?I am assuming the heart finess is a poor choice
sx KQ9xx
hx AQxx
dx Q
cx xxx


sx Jx
hx Jxxx
dx AKJ10
cx KQx

on the actual hand K109x of trumps was over the AQ and everyone went minus.It was suggested to me that A hx at trick 2 followed by small to the jack was the best line. if this looses on your left no problem you loose 3 tricks but K fourth must play low or forfeit a trick now you pitch clubs on diamonds and make.Four rounds of diamonds immediately will make the hand as the cards lie.I thought this was a neat safety play and was hoping for some more expert opinion.

[phm]

I agree with your suggested line Ralph. It is simple but neat.