Narayan Joshi

The best way to study chess openings is to use chess databse. Chess Databse will show you the successful % for both white and black. Plus it will also show you the number of games played in a particular variation. You can filter the databse then you can analyze top players game and you can build your opening Repertorie.

In my opinion there are 2 points where one should hire a chess coach.

1. For Rapid Improvment : If you are a self learner and you study books, solve tactics, play tournaments then you will definetly get the results. But a chess coach will help you to guide what to study, when to study and how to study at certain level. For Example if you are a 1500 fide Rated player and you want to reach to the 1800 rating. It might take 2 years to reach on that level but a chess coach can help you to achive this goal within 7-8 Months. 

2. To Breakthrough : Many Players stuck on certain rating level they try hard study chess 6-8 Hours in a day but can't cross the rating barrier. In Such kind of situation having a chess coach is very important. Chess coach will help you to change your playing style to reach on certain level. He/she will guide you when and what kind of tournament you should participate and how to breakthrough your rating barrier. 

Hii,

Even if you can't afford a chess coach you can take a guide from them. There are many tutorial available for self improvement and you can not study everything. The only thing you needs to know is what to study at your level. Take a guide from any chess coach which books to study, solve tactics regularly, Analysis your games without engine and works on your mistake. That's all !!!