LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until 2005 that the company released its first official chess set. This surprising fact caught my attention during my research, and as an avid LEGO enthusiast, I was curious about the delay. LEGO Chess seemed like a natural fit for expanding the brand's appeal to a broader audience.
In 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, with little attention paid to adult fans. It wasn't until 2007 that LEGO began to cater more to adults, and the concept of integrating LEGO into everyday life didn't gain traction until around 2020. Thus, the release of the first LEGO chess set in 2005 was a pioneering move that laid the groundwork for future developments.
Here's a detailed history of every LEGO Chess Set, including the one currently available in 2025. If you're looking for more chess options, 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 themed around the Knight's Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures with detailed 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 Knight's Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures adorned with 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 featured a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, armed 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 included a two-foot-square board and four miniature builds representing different realms. The smooth board and detailed pieces, including wizards as bishops and knights on horseback, added to its elegance.
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
This set pitted the Royal Navy against a crew of pirates, with unique costumes and accessories for each pirate pawn. The pirate knight, a curly-tailed monkey with a knife, added a touch of chaos.
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
A compact set designed for travel, it allowed players to enjoy nine different classic board games, including Chess, Checkers, and Backgammon.
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 featured a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The Red Lion knight, a Jester with a big smile, was a highlight. This set marked a shift towards display rather than play, lacking a carry case or storage compartment.
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 featured an outdoor beach theme with sand and ocean elements. It introduced smooth squares with single studs, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
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 minifigures or thematic gimmicks, it featured traditional blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained available for seven years before being retired in 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 fan-designed sets.
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
The latest LEGO chess set, reviewed upon its 2024 launch, features dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood. It's simple, appealing, and functional, a departure from the more elaborate sets of the past.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
0See it at LEGO
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. Most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production, so you'll need to turn to third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer some at a premium, your best options are eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more information on where to shop, see our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
