What opening is recommended if white is only playing for a draw? If in a tournament game, white is only aiming for a draw, what openings and strategies will be recommended for him? I guess that the answer may depend on the following different mindset for black:


Black is happy with a draw as well.
Black would love to win but can accept a draw.
Black must win.


I am aware of a related question but my questions seems to be different.
The English Opening (1.c4) is excellent for pushing for a drawish line. There's not many risky/sharp lines in it.

The Reti Opening (1.Nf3) is also a good "safe" opening without too  many sharp lines.

In both of these, flexibility is key.

These delay committing to either "wing pressure" with minor pieces or "center occupation" with pawns; white can adapt to whatever black throws out and slow things down, whether black wants to win or is looking for a draw themselves.

If black is looking for a win, the French Opening might be a possibility - most lines are fairly defensive (not all - some are very sharp and should be avoided by white) and can push said player into being so aggressive as to make a mistake that could even hand white an easy win.

Note: (suggested by @ATLPoly)

With both the Reti and the English, it is possible to play sharply with moves like f5. These aren't the best lines for black, but be warned that they are sharp and do require white (and black to a greater extent) to play accurately, even though the position is slightly in white's favor.