Caro-Kann Advanced 3...c5

Arguably, e4-e5 is also a loss of tempo, since it's a not a given that it's always better to move your pawns two steps forward instead of one. Both e4-e5 and c6-c5 means that each player is refraining from developing a piece. As has been pointed out by several posters here already, compared to the normal French Advance, Black has saved a move (3...e6), while keeping the option of developing the light-squared bishop outside the pawn chain.

It's very much a case of personal preference. I do play the Caro-Kann, and I prefer the traditional 3...Bf5 to 3...c5, and the latter move has the advantage of cutting down White's options.

I think I understand what you're saying, I'm not sure I would class e4-e5 as a loss of tempo, since White gets the pawn to e5 in the minimum time, but it's true that c6-c5 is now justified somewhat, since White advanced so soon with the e-pawn. I think I would class c6-c5 as "losing a tempo" (purely on the technical basis it took two moves to get to a square it could reach in one), but it's of course compensated for by that fact and so a fine move - and as you point out Black has not committed to ...e6. I think losing a tempo is not necessarily "bad" in this context, more the idea is not to strike too early!

Yeah, playing that way definitely makes sense to me, I actually lost a classical game where Black did that and I tried Be3-d4 (though mainly I got tricked in the opening around move 10.) It was after that game I found out about 5.a3. One idea is that if not Bxc5 you can protect it with b4 and follow up with a quick c4 to attack the centre.

Really interesting position after Qxb6 in your game, with the two bishops vs. the two knights in this structure. Actually I kinda prefer your position there since you're more active and White needs to castle immediately.

Couldn't possibly comment on a game in progress  but yeah Ng5 was terrible, White can't hope to play on the kingside there when the queenside is so open.

If you want to challenge me in Daily, I'm definitely interested this opening so would like to see how it might go against that plan.

If you prefer playing the computer I think you can open the analysis board, make a few moves, and then select "Finish vs. Computer".

I mean, I'm not taking Black here  but yeah, good to practice playing against it for serious games. Will challenge you unrated.

Nice game dsanchez, do you find Nf3 and c4 to be an effective plan in this line in your experience? I remember one of the guys on page 1 said a quick c4 was the idea he least liked to face.

In most of these CaroKann advance short attack lines, I try to get in a quick c4. It usually doesn't quite work this well obviously. However, the general principle of trying to open the center when black is behind in tempo seems to fit within accepted guidelines to me.

No, just as it's not always an advantage to play a Black opening with reverse colours. There's another line in the Caro-Kann where White can do the same thing: 1.e4 c6 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 e5 4.Ngf3 Bd6, and now 5.d4!? is an interesting option for White.

Back when I played OTB at my club I always used c5 rather than Bf5 to avoid being caught out by the more experienced players. It was a bit more passive but the risk was less. I was lucky in that the critical lines didnt appear. The c5 variation has merit in avoiding the labyrinth of the Bf5 jungle, something Ive been trying out on this site.The Nc6 Nf3 Bg4 line worked well for me.

4.c4 or 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.c4 is interesting as well. 

I think you need to look up the modern treatment of the Caro-Kann. It's coming back in vogue as a weapon to play for a win.