which openings do gm use to draw games ?

That makes sense. I think I was mixing up two different ideas: symmetry can make it easier for both sides to reach an equal position, but that doesn't necessarily mean the resulting position will be a draw.

For example, in the Four Knights:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Nc3 Nf6
4. Bb5 Bb4
5. O-O O-O
6. Re1 Re8

The position is very symmetrical, but White can still play ideas like d3, Bxc6, or d4, while Black can respond with ...d6, ...d5, or ...Bxc3. The symmetry can disappear very quickly once one side chooses a pawn break or exchange.

So I guess “symmetrical = easier to equalize” is reasonable, but “symmetrical = drawish” doesn't necessarily follow.

And the database numbers make the distinction clearer: the Petroff can be more drawish statistically without every symmetrical Petroff position being automatically drawn.

Basically, symmetry gives both players similar resources — it doesn't force them to use those resources in the same way. ️

e4 e5
Nf3 Nc6
Nc3 Nf6
Bb5 Bb4
O-O O-O
Re1 Re8

White plays 7 a3 and symmetry is gone. You cannot maintain symmetry forever.

@tpr said ^

"the 4 knight"

• In the masters' database the Four Knights scores 49% draws, 26% white wins and 24% black wins.
  So the Four Knights is slightly safer for black than the Petroff or 2...Nc6, but slightly less drawish than the Petroff or 2...Nc6.

there could be alot of bullet / blitz games in the database , which would explain the normal draw rate

Yes, the bullet/blitz games spoil the masters' database. There should be a way to filter those out.
At the 2026 Cyprus Candidates there were 5 Petroff C42 games: 3 draws and 2 white wins.