Help
http://www.gg.caltech.edu/~jeff/knr.cgi?ha...Jx+J9x+KT8+Q9xx evalutes N's junk as 9.15 pts ! I'd consider it 10 pt and pass, but I can see where N wants to mix it up and fight for a part score, but if the opps get to game all this does is to tell the opps where most of the high cards are to aid their dummy play.
35% of the blame to N for what I consider to be a poor and risky double.
Now for South
. The first pass in 3rd seat with a flat 10 count is good, inspite of 2 aces. I find nothing but trouble from straining to open flat junk in 3rd seat. Best to pass and hope for a pass out. After the takeout double, and with my 10 count and expacting to hold have the deck in HCP, I'd bid 2♣ as South. For all we know, N may actually have ♣ since he failed to O/C in a major. Passing is not awful, but when you do, please plan what you'll do next round in P/O seat.
Now South's 2♥ is simply atrocious !! (and I am being kind) Stay out of 4-3 fits when flat and especially when competing for vul part score. So lucky someone didn't have AKxx and whack you (OK they missed a penalty X anyhow) and note that N may have only 3 card support.
I'd bid 2♣ as S in P/O seat but won't criticize a pass with a flat hand and about 20 combined HCP since you lose 90 if the opps make 1NT and gain 100 if they fail where as 2♣ could get whacked or go off two if N has poor support.
Katherine, you sig says to bid your hand, and that is what S should do here, by NOT bidding a 3 card suit. 65% blame to S.