The Most Drawish Openings

Do you want a draw? Like, for real, do you want it? Well, if your answer is yes, then these openings deserve to be learned. Many times, you are in a tournament, and if you at least get a draw, then you will get a particular prize, since a draw is worth 0.5 points, which means it could be the difference between 1st and 2nd place in a tournament, or it might earn you a qualification for a tournament.

Often, drawish openings are avoided by White, but in this article, I will cover through the openings for both sides that achieve a draw easily and often has no complications. These openings include symmetrical and asymmetrical, but symmetrical is the most often seen. If it seems hard to get there, this guide will show you how the most drawish openings exist.

The Petrov (Black)

As you have seen, the Petrov is the best defense against e4, leading to a very drawish result, nullifying White's first move advantage most of the time. But what if you're White instead?

The Slav (White)

The Slav Exchange Variation is often a forced draw by White who does not want to risk a loss.

The Berlin (Black)

The French (White)

The French can easily turn into a drawn game if White wants it, particularly when White does not want to risk a total collapse of the center.

And, as you get to save games against much higher rated opponents, your success may go down as how you survived a much higher rated opponent using drawish openings.

If the draws made you feel proud about, then it is just the beginning of your campaign across the chessboard.