How to choose and learn

How do you go about choosing which openings to study, and then what's the best way to study/learn them both on and off the board?  I think I'm digging myself a hole in the opening, and it's starting to frustrate and depress me because I'm starting to lose a lot more than I win.

Which openings do you like to play? The fun factor is often overlooked! Your everyday opponent slips out of theory in move 8 (or earlier) so focusing on tactics is much more important than memorizing openings.

• Focus on basic Opening Principles
• Decide which opening you enjoy playing
• Track down a few Master games using the opening of your choice
• Replay those games and see how the opening principles are applied by the masters
• Tactics, Tactics & Tactics
• Have Fun!

Develop your pieces, control the center, explore where you can attack better, king side or queen side, and always look to see what your opponent might do.  I often overlook that last point when I play.