Seriously?

I just played this hand on IntoBridge with the result 3NT+1. Lia on North considered his Qxx a stopper in NT, even after I ran out of 2NT, West repeated its spades, and the 2♣ cue-bid shows support for spades and some points which might be even enough for game.

As the hand stands, the contract cannot be beaten if played by North, only kept to 9 tricks. East can can attack whatever spade he might. The suit is blocked, and only East has the entry in hearts.

It happens at the table that East attacked a small spade, then took the spade return, cashed the third spade and returned a small heart in the hope to find ♥K at West. Instead, West puts in the ♥Q which is covered by the ♥K. Now, N/S have a squeeze against East in diamonds and hearts and make one more trick in the end.

This kind of result happens often on IntoBridge. I'm a bit unsure who actually made a mistake and if it is a mistake at all. Lia on my place would bid 2♦ and still and end 4NT after the following auction.

Note, that 5♣  is not a good contract too. So, I consider 4♣ the safest bet. In NT, N/S are very likely to lose 5 tricks from the top. In teams, they should try, no question.

What does the expert reader think about this hand?

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