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Lillian Eichler Watson said, "Don't reserve your best behavior for special occasions.
You can't have two sets of manners, two social codes -- one for those you admire and want to impress, another for those whom you consider unimportant. You must be the same to all people."
Similarly, don't reserve your best bridge for special occasions. You must play the same against all opponents.
The deals this week occurred during a social game of bridge, but all four were trying to play their best.
What do you think of the auction?
The first seven calls are fine (although if North-South had been using the support double, South could have doubled one spade to show three-card heart support and any point-count).
With nine points and three spades, West should have raised to two spades. Yes, partner was a passed hand, so game was impossible, and West's hand was as flat as a pancake, but he ought to have made life harder for North. To bid two spades on the next round gave his opponents a fielder's choice because North had been able to describe his hand.
Finally, South should have passed out two spades because he also had a pancake. True, that contract can be made, but three diamonds had no chance. South lost two spades, two diamonds and two clubs to go down two -- luckily, but understandably, not doubled by West.
Bid your hand immediately and be cautious with 4-3-3-3 distribution when not in no-trump.