Contends with a number of points (4)
I believe the answer is:
vies
'contends' is the definition.
('vie' can be a synonym of 'contend')
'number of points' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'number' could be 'vi' (VI is an example) and 'vi' is present in the answer.
'points' could be 'es' (E is an example) and 'es' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'with a' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for vies that I've seen before include "Competes, carries on rivalry" , "Contends" , "Struggles" , "Strives with, rivals" .)