"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History"
LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that the first official LEGO Chess Set was released. This surprising delay piqued my curiosity during my research for this article. As a passionate LEGO enthusiast, the idea of a LEGO Chess Set seemed like an obvious choice to broaden the appeal of LEGO bricks to a wider audience. However, back in 2005, LEGO primarily targeted children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company began to cater to adults. Moreover, the concept of integrating LEGO into everyday living spaces didn't gain traction until around 2020. What we now consider standard in 2025 was groundbreaking back in 2005 when the first LEGO Chess Set debuted, and virtually unheard of in the preceding decades dominated by miniature playsets rather than realistic depictions.
Below is a comprehensive list of all LEGO Chess Sets, ordered by their release dates. There are 12 sets in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For more chess set options, be sure to check out our guide to the best overall chess sets.
All LEGO Chess Sets In Order of Release
1. Knights' Kingdom Chess Set - Retired
Set: #851499
Release Date: 2005
Piece Count: 80
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
The inaugural LEGO Chess Set was part of the Knights' Kingdom theme, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. It showcased two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the nefarious sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, commanded by King Matthias. The set included 24 intricately detailed minifigures with armor and stylized shields.
2. Vikings Chess Set - Retired
Set: #851861
Release Date: 2006
Piece Count: 60
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
Similar to the previous year's Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set featured 24 minifigures adorned with iconic horned helmets and equipped with spears and axes.
3. Castle Chess Set - Retired
Set: #852001
Release Date: 2007
Piece Count: 162
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This Castle-themed set was more generic than its Knights' Kingdom predecessor, featuring a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, equipped with massive scythes.
4. Giant Chess Set - Retired
Set: #852293
Release Date: 2008
Piece Count: 2292
Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches wide
Price: $199.99
The largest and most ornate LEGO Chess Set ever designed, the Giant Chess Set was exceptional in every aspect. The two-foot-square board came with four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth, elegant board and intricately designed pieces, including wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks, set this set apart.
5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired
Set: #852751
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 126
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
The first Pirates-themed set featured a clash between the Royal Navy and a motley crew of pirates. The set's diversity was a highlight, with unique pirate pawns and a whimsical pirate knight represented by a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife.
6. Multi Game Pack 9-in-1 - Retired
Set: #852676
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 81
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches wide
Price: $24.99
This travel-friendly set offered nine classic board games including Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three different cards for Travel Bingo.
7. Kingdoms Chess Set - Retired
Set: #853373
Release Date: 2012
Piece Count: 201
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This Castle-themed set depicted a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, particularly the Jester knight with a cartoonish smile, were a highlight. Notably, this set lacked a carry case and storage compartment, marking an early shift towards display-focused LEGO sets.
8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired
Set: #40158
Release Date: 2015
Piece Count: 776
Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
Price: $59.99
The second Pirates-themed set had an outdoor beach theme with sand and ocean elements. It introduced smooth squares with single studs in their centers, enhancing both the aesthetic and functionality of the board.
9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired
Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
The first LEGO Chess Set without thematic elements or minifigures, this set featured traditional blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained available for seven years before being retired at the end of 2022.
10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired
Set: #BL19013
Release Date: 2019
Piece Count: 372
Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
Price: $37.99
A collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink, this tiny set was part of the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, featuring 13 fan-designed sets launched in 2019.
11. Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set - Retired
Set: #76392
Release Date: 2021
Piece Count: 876
Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This set recreated the iconic chess scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," complete with three minifigures representing Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set
0See it at Amazon
12. Traditional Chess Set
Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
We reviewed LEGO's most recent chess set upon its launch in 2024, and it's the only set still available in stores. With its dark brown and beige squares mimicking polished wood, this set offers classic flair combined with simplicity and functionality.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
0See it at LEGO
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Discovering a beloved LEGO set from the past can be challenging, as most sets on this list are retired. To acquire these sets, you'll need to explore third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer retired sets at a higher price, your best options include eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more information on where to purchase LEGO sets, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
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