In this episode, Eric talks to GM Elshan Moradiabadi. He is a chess grandmaster who was born in Tehran, Iran, and is a naturalized citizen of the US. Elshan was one of the top two players in Iran between 2003-2016. He moved to the US in 2012, where he participated in several US collegiate chess events, having won the Final Four in 2012 and 2015 Pan Americans with Texas Tech University’s chess team. He won the prestigious Rilton Cup in Stockholm, Sweden in 2020. 

Moradiabadi co-authored two chess books: “Chess and the Art of War: Ancient Wisdom to Make You a Better Player” with Al Lawrence and "Sherlock's Method - the working tool for the club player", with his partner WGM Sabina Foisor. Eric interviewed her in episode 10.  Elshan has coached the US Junior national team, US Open national team, Iran’s Junior national team, and over 350 individuals in the past 10 years.

Eric and Elshan talk about chess in Iran, his work as a coach and author and the upcoming Candidates Tournament. And why does Elshan like to wear hats?