This hand occurred half way through the last set of 8 boards in our teams of eight match against Maidstone.  Being the underdogs, we were pleased to be ahead by 15 imps after 24 boards.Both of the TW Souths were aware that their Maidstone E/Ws weren't timid when it came to bidding.
1. Given the bidding shown above, what would you expect the E/W hands to be?  In particular, what is the spade situation likely to be?
2.  Before looking at all four hands, consider the situation as I faced it as South.
The auction proceeds        1H,          dble,       redble(1),     pass
                                      pass(2)       2C       3NT(3)        dble
                                       pass         pass       pass(4)

(1) I didn't like this bid but it sounds as though East has at least four spades and probably more.
(2) Which is stronger? Pass or 2H?  I took Pass to be stronger than 2H.
(3) I'm now regretting my redble as we might be missing 4 spades.  East sounds to have five or even six clubs and only 4 spades. However, we have the points for game so ...........
(4) Oh dear!  My "club stop" may be an illusion.  If partner has a club stop and a poor spade holding I want to stand the double.  If he has good spades I need to remove to 4 spades.  I agonise and finally base my decision on North's pass - see note 2.

West leads the 3 of clubs and my heart sinks.  If only one of us had an extra little club!  I forsee East winning with the King, knocking out my Ace, getting in with the Ace of spades and my losing 800 or 1100 depending on how many clubs East has and who has the King of diamonds.

Now look at the hands.  You can possibly imagine my look of surprised relief when the Queen of clubs held.  A small spade from hand draws the eight from West and, given East's dble, the rest is easy.  In fact, as West clung onto diamonds and clubs in the forlorn hope of defeating the contract, I ended up with two overtricks for +1150.  Swop the King and Jack of clubs round and I'm probably -500 as I would be almost certain to finesse the Queen of diamonds.

Returning to the original bidding sequence, did you place East or West with the long spades?
The TW South placed them with West and so, despite the helpful lead of a small club, went one off for -200.  Where our TW players were E/W both auctions were uncontested and ended in 4 spades by South.  Both went one off as South had no reason to play for a 4-1 trump break.

We gained +15 imps on this board. If I'd given away 1100 we would have lost 15 imps.
We actually won the match by 38 imps.

Trick 1.  5 hearts 7,J and Q.
Trick 2.  K hearts 8,9 ruffed by 7 of spades
Trick 3  10 clubs J,K, 2
Trick 4  A spades,  5,3,Q  (also see variation below)
Trick 5  9 clubs, 5,4,6
Trick 6  3 clubs, Q,A,7
Trick 7  10 hearts, A, 10 of spades, 6 of hearts
Trick 8  8 clubs, 9 of spades, J of spades, 8 of spades

variation: if East does not put up the Q of spades at trick 4
Trick 4  3 of spades, 8,10,5
Trick 5  9 of clubs,5,4,6
Trick 6  3 of clubs,Q,A,7
Trick 7  J of spades,Q,A,9
Trick 8  8 of clubs is good

Incorrect solutions
If South starts with the 3 of spades, East plays the Q
If South starts with the J of spades, East plays the 8

Andrew Robson was happy for me to publish these hands provided he received the acknowledgement.

N/S have found a heart fit but stopped at the two level.  The points must be close to twenty each side and, if N/S have found a fit then E/W are almost certain to have a fit as well.
East must protect with 2 spades.  If North bids to 3 hearts, West must pass as he should realise that East's bid is really only an attempt to push N/S a level higher.  After all, East was unable to bid over 1 heart.

Against 3 hearts, East leads 10 of clubs. West wins with the King, cashes the Ace and leads 7 of clubs as a suit preference signal. East ruffs, cashes Ace of spades and leads to the King of Spades. Down one.  Note that East probably makes 2 spades.

East's hand and his suit are poor and he's vulnerable. But partner must have some good cards (or N/S would bid more). Bid 2 spades; West musn't bid on as he should realise east is protecting.

Opening lead: King of diamonds.  Win with the Ace and immediately lead Jack of spades.  Take spade tricks discarding a diamond. Trumps follow, then cross to Ace of clubs and lead towards the queen.  Nine tricks made. Also N/S easily make 1NT.