Don't release the tension in the opening if you are behind in development. When you are prepared to and have the advantage in the opening, then you can exchange pawns. In the endgame the c5 break was critical to breaking through and eventually getting my rook to the 7th rank, which I did not do. Don't block your bishop with your pawn, otherwise it becomes like a big pawn and is ineffective. In Bishop against knight trade pawns to open up the position. closed positions are usually only better for knights. they can dance around better than bishops...