How to get to 4 Hearts rather than 3NT if the opponents don’t overcall their spade suit?

Question

N opened 1 club, E: P, S bid 1 Diamond, W: P, N 1NT to show 15 and balanced, S bids stamen 2Clubs, N responds 2D, and S raises to 3NT with the immediate loss of 5 spade tricks. How should we have avoided this?

Bernard's Answer

This depends on your system, but by bidding South’s hand naturally you can leave the last decision for North: 1C – 1D – 1NT – 2H – South is showing a strong hand with 5-4 in the red suits – this would leave North thinking there was a gap in spades and looking for a non-notrumps contract. She can bid 2S (fourth suit forcing) and South will rebid 3D – now North probably chooses the Moysian fit in hearts. 4H makes with careful play (discarding a club on the third round of spades).