This bidding was presented last month.  You were asked to diagnose these two hands as though you were sitting West.

SOUTH                    NORTH
1ª                            2§
2 NT                         3ª
4ª
 

Here’s my take on the South hand.  The 1 spade bid = an opening hand and five spades.  The 2NT call does not promise any more strength than an opener.  South is saying: “My spades aren’t good enough to bid again, I don’t have four clubs, four diamonds or four hearts, and I am not strong enough to bid game in notrump.  Hence my strength is between 13 and 15 points.”  The later continuation to 4 spades suggests a good 14 or 15 points and possibly something useful in clubs.
 

North’s 2 club response promises at least 10 points and five clubs.  Next the 3 spade raise is invitational  (11 or 12 points).  The actual hands were:
 

SOUTH                   NORTH
ª Q J 9 8 3            ª K 10 4
© A 10                    © J
¨ A Q J                  ¨ 7 5 2
§ 10 6 5                 § K Q J 9 7 4