Is the Caro-Kann the opening I was searching for or should I go for 1...e5 ?

The Petroff is very easy to learn, as I said I can give u some lines.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 nc6 is also easy if you do what I do, which is:

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6

3.Bc4 Nf6- Ulvestad (I think u know that one)

3.d4 exd4- ...Bc5 Scotch

3.Bb5 Nf6- Beverwijk( see game)

Don't assume that "Solid" and "Positional" are synonomous.

The Caro-Kann is "Solid" in the sense that Black doesn't create any immediate weaknesses.  He is willing to take on a slightly cramped position in order to avoid targets for White.  For example, in the Najdorf, d6 is often a problem.  In the French, e6 is often a problem.  No such issues exists in the Caro-Kann.

In return, you usually have to deal with a space disadvantage.  As described, a "solid" and "compact" position.

There are still tons of tactics and tons of positional ideas in the Caro-Kann.  Trust me, it's my primary defense to 1.e4.

As for 1...e5, my secondary defense to 1.e4, while the position is more "open" than the Caro-Kann, it's still "Solid" like the Caro-Kann.  The main difference is that the positions are more open.  You don't get the blocked center that you get in the Advance Caro-Kann, or the Semi-Open positions of the main line Caro-Kann.  Take the Petroff or the Berlin Defense, two very solid defenses to 1.e4.  The Petroff you are constantly a tempo behind in a solid position that may be symmetrical or assymetrical.  In the Berlin, you lose castling rights, and aim to keep dominant control over g4, to make f5 hard to get in since e5 has already been played.

All of these are different than say, the Najdorf Sicilian or French Defense, where both of them Black creates a more hostile position, but in return, he has marked weaknesses in his position.

No matter what you play against 1.e4, you will have a disadvantage of some sort.  That's part of playing Black.  It's a question of what disadvantage you want.  Clearly, you'll take a disadvantage in space over having a marked weakness.

Now the main question is, are you more comfortable with positions that are wide open, or somewhat closed?  In both cases, you get a solid position where positional and tactical knowledge are still critical.

If you prefer a more open position, play 1...e5.

If you prefer a more restrained position, play 1...c6.

I play both, though I play 1...c6 far more frequently than 1...e5, but it's strictly a matter of taste.

I'd say the carokann is the harder of the two openings to learn because the vast majority of players are taught to play 1. e4 e5 when just starting out so those kind of positions will make more sense. When playing the carokann you'll have to play a different kind of chess than youre used to. Also the carokann has lots of theory and variations, it also involves playing in a myriad of different pawn structures and play styles.

Na5 is just fine, I may keep the ulvestad for blitz.

1.e4 e5 2.nf3 nc6 4.bb5 Nf6 4.0-0 Bc5 5.Nxe5 Nxe5 6,d4 c6 7.Be2 Be7 8.de5 Ne4 9.Qd4 Nc5 is at most +=

OK, I won't argue with you anymore, thanks for the analysis.

One final point: What is wrong with Bf5, on the eleventh move.

Thank you ! That was really useful ! So, I am probably going to opt for 1...e5

1...e5 is not one opening!!! What next?

Thank you !

Maybe 2...Nc6

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 you have to be ready for:

3.Bb5

3.d4

3.Bc4

Yes, these are the openings that I have to be prepared for ! Spanish, Italian, Evans' Gambit, Scotch game and Scotch gambit ! But I think that I can learn some good variations against each of them !

Scotch Gambit is the most dangerous, and a close second is Evans' (not Evan's) Gambit.

i think in 1.e4 e5 most people find what they are searching or. black has many lines to choose from that fits most peoples playingstyles. they say white has many choices but you will find out its not that hard to prepare for as people think unless you choose really tricky lines

You can play d6 against all of them if you want. In the Scotch you just play 3...ed 4.Nxd4 d6.

So why is 1..e5 considered best for beginners?

Because you're normally following all the rules of occupying the centre and quick development.

more tactics, e4 pawn is kinda open, e5 pawn is kinda open, less running around in circles pretending you will nab some positional advantage and win in a Karpovian manner...

But that's just me... 

Mostly because that is how people are originally taught to play. The Carokann is harder to play for most beginners and requires a variety of playstyles depending on what white tries to do. With e5 you can probably limit the kind of games you have to play.

I think the Petrov is a better choice.  I realize that is still 1..e5 but I assumed you guys were not talking about the Petrov.  Play 2..Nc6 and now the novice will face millions of scary gambit lines and sacrifices.  I remember when I was low rated playing against 2..Nc6 I would see h6 on move 3 all the time.  That's how spooked some of these players were of the Ng5 lines.  As you get better you aren't so worried about these aggressive lines because you've seen almost all of them before and you have an idea how to refute them, but all a beginner knows is "Oh god he's attacking me."
 
My second picks would be the Caro-Kann or the Scandinavian.  "No weaknesses" is exactly what a beginner needs.