A common misconception among novices is to use the reverse to show strength.
This is wrong, wrong, wrong!
A reverse ALWAYS promises that the first bid suit is LONGER than the second. A strong hand ALLOWS you the priviledge of bidding your hand naturally and showing both suits in the correct order. A weaker hand may be forced to ignore the 2nd suit if showing it requires a reverse.
With 5M/5m, open the 5M first. Regardless of strength. With 5s/5c I open 1S, but some take an exception and open 1C. Otherwise, always open the 5-card major first.
The original rules for selecting the opening bid suit playing 4-card majors filled an entire chapter in bidding books. 5-card majors reduced that to one simple rule with one exception:
Rule: If you have a 5-card major, bid your highest ranking 5-card major. Otherwise, bid your "best" minor.
Exception: Bid a 6-card minor before a 5-card major.
As a side note, many people (me included) do not consider the auction 1D-2C-2M a reverse.
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