In matchpoints competition however, that would be poor play . It is important, in matchpoints, to cultivate oneself to consider what would be the likely results on the other tables. Here, North could tell that he would end up losing if he made only 10 tricks. Thus the better play in matchpoints is for North to lead a club to the king instead. Of course that is risky play and may result in going off in a cold contract, the risk must be accepted.
North continues by cashing two top hearts and two top spades.
Now he has a pretty good count of opponents' hands. East has 4 clubs and West has 3. West could only follow hearts twice, East has 3. Only 3 cards are unknown. 8 of West cards are known and 5 are unknown.