Follow the law in competition
Philosopher Jeremy Bentham, upon his death in 1832, left instructions for his body to be preserved as an “auto-icon” (self-image) in my alma mater, University College, London. He is still there today. Bentham said, “Lawyers are the only persons in whom ignorance of the law is not punished.”
In bridge we have a law — the Law of Total Tricks — that is useful but sometimes misapplied. It was devised by a Frenchman, JeanRene Vernes. The main conclusion is that when either your side does not have the high-card values for game or the auction has become competitive, be willing to bid as high as your combined trump holding. With nine trumps, bid to (at least) the three-level. The theory is that if you go down in your contract, the penalty will be smaller than what your opponents would have gained in their highest-scoring contract. (Yes, take vulnerability and hand-type into account.)
How does that apply to this deal?
After South opens one heart, and North raises to two hearts, East should pass with such a flat, defensive hand. But when South passes, West should be happy to balance with a takeout double. His hand strength is known to be limited, because he did not double on round one.
Then North, knowing about a nine-card fit, should raise to three hearts. Similarly, East, knowing only of an eight-card spade fit at best, should pass.
Note that both three-level contracts ought to be one too high. South loses two spades, one heart and two clubs. East concedes one heart, three diamonds and one club.