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How to build a chess opening repertoire
A repertoire is a set of openings you have decided to play, worked out far enough that you know what to do. The aim is not to memorise the most theory but to reach positions you understand.
Choose openings that suit you
Pick positions you enjoy and understand: open tactical games, closed manoeuvring ones, or a mix. With White you need one first move and an answer to each main defence; with Black, one answer to 1.e4 and one to 1.d4, plus something against the other first moves.
Go as deep as your opponents do
Prepare to the point where your typical opponents leave the main line, and a little beyond. Past that, plans and typical structures are worth more than extra moves.
Cover the replies you will actually meet
Look at what players at your level answer to your choices, and prepare those first. Rare sidelines can wait until you meet them.
Learn the ideas, not only the moves
For each line, know the pawn structure it leads to and the plans for both sides. When an opponent deviates, the plans still guide you.
Drill, and repair after each game
Play through your lines from memory regularly. After each game, check where you left your preparation, decide what you should have played, and add it.
Doing it with ChessMoves AI
Save your lines in the chess repertoire and drill them; see what masters played in the database; and before a game, see how your next opponent answers your lines in opponent preparation.