Monday’s study, composed exactly 100 years ago by a Latvian master, was used in the Minor Section of the Winton British Chess Solving Championship in February.

Here’s the main line of the solution. Remember that if you reach a position where Black has KBN v K you’ve failed to find the solution as checkmate can be forced.

1. Ra1

We have to stop Black promoting.

1… Bf3

Black insists on promotion.

2. Kf8

White gains time by attacking the knight.

2… Nf6

The knight moves to safety.

3. g7

White threatens to promote.

3… Kh7

Black aims to prevent promotion.

4. g8Q+

White promotes anyway, having looked into the future.

4… Nxg8

Black has no choice.

5. Ra7+

White checks to force the king into the corner.

5… Kh8

Black has to defend the knight to maintain winning chances.

6. Ra2

White attacks the pawn, happy to allow promotion.

6… d1Q

Black promotes, of course.

7. Rh2+

White plays a check. It’s almost mate, but not quite.

7… Bh5

No choice – but Black has a winning material advantage.

8. Rxh5+

White takes the bishop, and Black again, if he doesn’t want to get mated, has only one move.

8… Qxh5

And, miraculously, a beautiful stalemate has suddenly appeared on the board.

Now where did that come from?

Solving studies like this doesn’t just improve your calculation, creativity and imagination. It also shows you the beauty of our wonderful game.