Caro Kann Classical Variation: How to respond to 5. Nc5?

According to other websites, although 5. Nc5 in the Classical Caro Kann variation (1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 dxe4 4. Nxe4 Bf5) is less popular than 5. Ng3, it seems to score higher.

5...b6 does create some slight weaknesses in Black's structure but after 6.Nb3 e6 Black is really not under any pressure and can continue with an eventual ..c5.

More exciting would be either 5...e5 or 5...Nd7.  These moves give up b7 but Black gets good development in return.  5...e5 6.Nxb7 Qb6 7.Nc5 Bxc5 8.dxc5 Qxc5 leaves Black with a development lead and control of the center, but White has the two bishops and better structure.  5...Nd7 6.Nxb7 Qc7 7.Nc5 Nxc5 8.dxc5 e5 9.b4 a5 is a complicated position where Black is material down but White has the structural problems.

What Black should not do is defend the b7 pawn with ..Qc7/..Qc8 , that seems to lead to White advantage after Bd3.

The line IM Jovanka Houska gives in her book, Opening Repertoire: The Caro-Kann is 5...Nd7 6.Nxb7 Qc7 7.Nc5 Nxc5 8.dxc5 Rd8! White can easily get into trouble in that line.

@GreenCastleBlock but what if 5. ...b6 6. Nb7 Qc7 Ba6?

The b8-Knight covers a6.

5. ... e5 6. Nxb7 Qb6 7. Nc5 exd4 looks complicated, too.

You simply do not play such a trash like 1...c6

What's up with you Bronst, or whatever you call yourself these days? You've become all trolly. Don't you know your hero Fischer analysed Nc5 in 60 Memorable games.

Hi TwoMove, a pleasure talking with you.

You see, chess.com forums rotten me, they made me a brainless troll.

Now I only talk seriously about chess with friends and family.

Greetings.

I think e5 is best move.u can play b6 too.

e5 N*b7 Qb6 7.Nc5 exd4 8.Nb3 Bb4

I personally play either:

5. ... e5 6. Nxb7 Qb6 7. Nc5

5. ... Nd7 6.Nxb7 Qc7 7.Nc5 Nxc5 8.dxc5 e5

or a bit more defensive.

5. ... e6

If 6.Nxb7 then 6... Nd7 Where black can get compensation for the pawn with 7.Nc5 Nxc5 8.dxc5 Qxd1

If 6.Nf3 then 6... Bxc5 7.dxc5 And a queen trade would leave black ahead in development and with a better pawn structure.

@generickplayer 
If 5. ...b6 6. Nb7 Qc7 Ba6?...

Then the knight is trapped, you go Qc7 after Nb7. Whatever he plays thereafter the Knight is dead and you're a piece up.

He can't bring his Queen out either else Bxc2 and right after you take the Knight.
Play around with it, you'll see