What is the best line against Caro Kann Advance as black? Bf5 or c5
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juanie_boy
Jul 20, 2021
0
#1
Bf5
Why?
Because you used the "b" word on move 3!
I like c5 as it does well if white plays quietly, while in the sharper lines black has chances. Usually a pawn down but with compensation. Bishop pair or play on the queenside based on b6.
Bf5 is cleaner theoretically but doesn't really put any pressure on white so he can opt for quieter lines. This is what i don't like about bf5.
Jul 20, 2021
0
#4
The Caro-Kann is my mainstay against 1. e4.
I've switched from 3... Bf5 to 3... c5, because I don't like the symmetrical pawn formations that frequently arise from the Short variation (3... Bf5 4. Nf3 e6 5. Be2). 3... c5 gives rise to more unbalanced pawn structures. This makes it easier for me to play for a win as black.
Anyway, both lines are sound. Which one you prefer is a matter of taste.
Agree 100% with the above. c5 unbalances the position and that’s my strong preference too. Looks like Bramblyspam is a far better player than I am, so I guess it has some merit at different levels of the game…..
Jul 21, 2021
0
#6
c5 gets my vote for reasons mentioned. At my level, most are expecting Bf5, c5 has more chance of catching opponent a little.
c5 is more risky for black as its common for black to be down a pawn or have a cramped position. unlike white who has more freedom and a clearer advantage
Bf5 is more sound and quiet, if the short variation scares you the h6-g5 lines you should try out
c5 is more risky and you are typically crunched on the queenside and you relay on central counter play that often is not effective enough compared to the french
also your pawn structure in the c5 lines are often terrible and you can end up easily losing the endgame