Caro-Kann, advanced variation

So I recently decided to play the Caro-Kann for the first time in a correspondence match and fell into the advance variation.  I was thinking it (Caro-Kann) was a solid, traditional defense but spent much of the game trying to correct for this choice of an opening.  I was curious about how I could have played the opening moves better.  As you can see, black falls into a pretty bad position after the first few moves compared with white.

I think your move 4... f6 is a  mistake.  That got you   trouble. I would have moved 4...e6 and waited to see how white proceeded.

so , what will happen after 7... g6?

2.d3 is unusual (more common is 2.d4), but I occasionally play this line, then play 2...d5 3.e5.

f6 is one of those moves you had better have a really good reason to play.  In this case, e6 to free the KB to b4, then Ne7 and 0-0 makes for a pretty tough nut to crack.

Stick with the Caro-Kann, but play e6 rather than f6. There are some who think 5. ... c5 is the only real choice next. I am not sure. I like the cramped positions you can end up with as black in the advanced variation of the Caro-Kann with Ne7.

Thanks for the comments.  f6 was definitely a mistake.  I ended up winning the game, but only because I lulled my opponent into a false sense of security, I think.  Not usually the best strategy....

Mate you got very lucky. f6 is a game buster. I played carokann a lot. It is quite a good defence. But the f pawn should remain on f7. It is the base for the pawn structure d5,e6,f7 and gh pawn also.

And c5 is certainly a way to commence some sort of attack. 

In carokann you need to gain space and lure the opponent in fighting you on the queens side.

Also you should see Karlsbad pawn structure to understand better.

 http://www.chesslodge.com/2007/03/karlsbad-pawn-structure/

Best of luck!