How to play for a draw?

@Toscani
It's very hard to play against 1.d4 even at my level :(
But if you learn all the theory (as white), then you'll get high drawing chances.
But personally I like to play for a win with white so I play 1.e4

1. d4 is not drawish. I have absolutely no clue what you are even talking about.

Isn't it choosing the safe play when you have alternatives? That is, if you are good enough to for it. I only play what I can, I'm no better than that.

If you play safe, it's like calling a baby-sitter for your children before going to work. The alternative is go to work and don't call a baby-sitter. That would save time and money, but not troubles. @what_game_is_this

Chess is the same thing, if you can play safe and still win, you played well. If you picked alternatives and sacrificed pieces to hope to win and got lucky, then that's a careless attitude game. It's like saying oh well... if I win I win, if i don't I don't. Then might as well play casual games.

I think the best recommendation is not to play for a draw. It often happens when a player plays too passively, tries to get a draw, and ends up losing.

Also, it should be reminded that not playing at all, might also be considered a draw.... but you have to stare at the board first.

Ruy Lopez. Playing against that is pretty easy. The Berlin, etc...

You will need tons of theory though - and I mean tons - theres so many variations to RL, no one under 2300 can probably play it properly and even at that level that are lines that White hasn't covered.

How to play for a draw? Interesting question. Here’s a good method. Aim to end up with just both kings left. That usually works.

I think mastering zugzwang tactics will help fight against higher rated players.
https://lichess.org/training/zugzwang

There is also the Berlin Wall Opening. It has been used as a "drawing weapon" against a champion. So that should be part of our repertoire. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Defence_(chess)

https://youtu.be/crb6SHNmnrk