And if S comes in with 2
it is possible, perhaps likely, that N will decide to try 4
as a sac. It will indeed be a sacrifice!
Another point is that if the opponents finish in 5
they will thank S for the help in how to play the
.
I do think that with 7 hearts to the AKJ and an outside K, a call of 4
rather than 3
is reasonable. I know I am looking at the full hand but I am pretty sure I would do that. The fact that it makes 5 here when partner has a void would seem to support this approach.
On the lead of the stiff
it makes, or at least can make, 6. A reasonable line: in in hand, cash the AK of hearts and when everyone follows it is no safe to try for 6. Lead the
, play another
pitching the !!S. Ruff a
to hand. Usually when they hold 6 trump we need to be cautious in weakening our trump holding but here, knowing hearts are no worse than 4-2, we are safe. When it turns out that hearts are 3-3 we can claim 12 tricks: 6 hearts, 3 diamonds (thanks to the opening lead, and three clubs.
But anyway, to the main point, staying out of this auction is a fine idea. You don't want to push them to a making game, You don't want to help then with the play of the hand, and you very definitely don't want to play 4
X.