Craig Saperstein donated to AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Friday, January 22, 2021
I am sorry to hear about your loss.
I was one of Mr. Kavalek's students, and I always enjoyed the creativity and beauty in the different variations we looked at together as well as his jokes and laughter. I sent him games occasionally over the last few years, and even though they were full of mistakes, he would always point to the positives and give serious advice about how I could improve.
My favorite parts of the lessons were the tidbits about famous chess players. Najdorf tricking his opponent into getting drunk and still losing, Bronstein's wife telling him to go back to his room and analyze a variation again after he lost, and Fischer chasing an ostrich at the Reston Zoo.
Apart from chess, he also taught me about Prague, swimming, living under communism, how to manage my emotions after losses, and how to concentrate for long periods of time.
I will look back on his lessons, stories, and nuggets of wisdom with joy.
Sincere condolences,
Craig
cmsaperstein@gmail.com
