I agree with the idea of letting your cousin loose on players of a similar standard. Let them get a grasp of how the pieces move and how to finish a game. Chess needs to be fun.
When I taught beginners I would first go through how the pieces moved and the rules of the game, then I would get them to play games and try and point out mistakes as they played one another (firstly this would be illegal moves, then later, if they missed a capture of a piece or simple tactical threat (eg a fork) I'd point it out at that time in the game).
Things like king and 8 pawns v king and 8 pawns was useful (winner is first to promote) as it gave an idea of how the pawns move.
Other things to try:
One move tactics such as pins, forks and skewers.
Simple openings (eg Italian Game with emphasis on simple rules of thumb such as kinghts before bishops, castle, not too many pawn moves).
Simple endgames: Checkmate K+Q v K, K+R v K, promoting a pawn.
I think the most important thing is to make it fun. Any puzzle that takes more than a few minutes is too long - show them the answer and then move on.
AlphaAlekhine,
I agree with diskamyl in regards to Chessmaster 10. I thought I might also suggest the web site www.chessmagnetschool.com. The last time I checked it out you can try for a month free without giving your credit card. Like Chessmaster they have drills and lessons. They also have a toolbox were you can play their computer and were you can practice checkmates. It seems like somebody here recommended some good books for your cousin. I am thinking a good software to possibly supplement chessmaster 10 would not be a bad choice. I know Chessmaster 10 is good for beginners but necessarily good for learning things like rook and pawn endings or certain specific things.
I am thinking if he plays easy people on Chessmaster 10 or some easy level that may help to. But not too easy.
Parag
I've been teaching my niece and she has similar problems. Some people just don't pick it up as fast as others.
BTW have you taught him how win with the most basic endings?
King and Queen vs. King
King and Rook vs. King
King and Pawn vs. King
IMO these are the most important first lessons.
Originally posted by mrazradI went over Queen and King with him the other night. Then we went into Rook and King. He seems to be better with Rooks and Queens than he is with Bishops and Knights. The concepts are just easier for him to apply at this stage.
I've been teaching my niece and she has similar problems. Some people just don't pick it up as fast as others.
BTW have you taught him how win with the most basic endings?
King and Queen vs. King
King and Rook vs. King
King and Pawn vs. King
IMO these are the most important first lessons.
An Update: I took the advice of the forum and let him loose on one of his friends. This was after we had discussed pins and skewers for about a half hour. 10 moves in, he makes use of the pin to win his opponents Queen. I was really proud of him. I could tell once I stepped away from the board and let him play a weaker opponent, that he was actually applying what I told him.
He still needs to work hard on his overall board vision, so I think Bishops and Knights will be on the menu next time.
Thanks for all of your insights. I think I will turn him on to Chessmagnetschool.com as well.