Caro-Kann 3...c5

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Samurai-X

Is the move 3...c5 any good? Obviously it moves the same piece twice (c6 c5) early on but would you still play it?
Shivsky

I think it's called the Arkell/Khenkin Variation and has been used by GMs in Wch matches (Tal - Botvinnik, 1961?) so it's definitely playable at the club levels.  Black uses it to sidestep existing theory/preparation by White. There's already been a heated debate on this in these forums.

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/caro-cann-advance-variation-with-3c5

 

 


billwall

I have played 3...c5 a few times, but it may be too risky.  Here is a game I won with it., but poor play on my opponent's part.

Samurai-X

Thanks guys. I'm glad that there are GMs who play this because I like the way it looks for Black (probably because I also like the QG). Anyway I played a game against the computer on here.

 

Samurai-X

From someone who's playing the opening for one of the first times, the move ...e6 feels more comfortable to me. It avoids Bb5 and having to play ...Bf5 which is a move delaying the recapture of one of White's pawns. In the game I played above, the light squared bishop was very passive for the entire game and I can see why 4...Nc6 might be better.

Ajedrecito has me convinced (by the lines he provided) that 3...Bf5 is better (for me). After 4...Nc6 5 Bb5 I don't like the way Black's position looks and 4...e6 leaves a weakness.

Here are the lines that ajedrecito mentioned:

 

geodev

I should mention that in answer to dxc5 the only move for Black is ... - e6. Other are too risky.

Phelon

I do very well in the Bf5 advanced variation, don't see the need to change from that at my current 1800-1999 uscf level (it's the Panov that frustrates me Yell). Maybe surprising your opponent in the opening is a concern at expert/master level, but until then I would focus on outplaying your opponent in the middle game. After exchanging on d4, try abusing the open c file with your rooks and queen. It can be effective.

Samurai-X