LEGO, famous for its iconic interlocking bricks, patented its fundamental "binding brick" design way back in 1958. Yet, surprisingly, the company didn't release its first official chess set until 2005—almost 50 years later! This fact, even for a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, is a head-scratcher. Why the long wait? A LEGO chess set seems like a natural fit, a readily marketable product to broaden appeal. However, in 2005, LEGO's primary target audience was children. The company's focus on adult consumers didn't truly emerge until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO builds into adult living spaces didn't gain traction until around 2020. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking in 2005, and entirely unheard of in previous decades when LEGO sets were largely miniature playsets rather than realistic depictions.
Below is a chronological history of every LEGO Chess Set ever produced—a total of twelve, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For a broader selection, 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, part of the Knights' Kingdom theme, an extension of the LEGO Castle line. It featured two warring factions: the Shadow Knights, led by the villainous Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, under King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures with detailed armor and distinctive 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 Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set also boasted 24 minifigures, this time clad in classic horned Viking helmets, armed 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
Another Castle-themed set, this one offered a more generic conflict between crown knights and an army of undead skeletons. A standout feature was the inclusion of Grim Reaper bishops wielding 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
To this day, this remains the largest and most elaborate LEGO chess set ever created. The two-foot square board featured four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The board itself had a smooth, non-studded surface for a more refined look, and the pieces were exceptionally detailed. Bishops were wizards, knights were mounted minifigures, and rooks were imposing siege towers.
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 diverse crew of pirates. Each pirate pawn had a unique costume and accessory, offering greater variety than the uniform naval officers. The highlight? A curly-tailed monkey pirate knight 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
A compact and travel-friendly set containing nine classic board games: Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three variations of 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 featured a Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army. The minifigures were highly detailed and expressive, with a particular standout being the jester Red Lion knight. This set marked a shift away from travel-friendly designs, prioritizing display over portability.
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 pirate-themed chess set featured a beach setting, with sand and ocean elements. This was the first LEGO chessboard to utilize smooth squares with central 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
A departure from themed sets, this offered a classic chess set with traditional blocky pieces and integrated storage. Its simple design contributed to its seven-year run before retirement 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 compact set, this was a collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink, emerging from the AFOL Designer Program.
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
Recreating the iconic chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, this set included minifigures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set
[See 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
Reviewed upon its 2024 release, this is the only currently available LEGO chess set. Its dark brown and beige color scheme evokes polished wood, offering a classic and functional design.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
[See it at LEGO]
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding older LEGO sets can be challenging, as most are retired. For retired LEGO chess sets, consider checking third-party sellers like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon (though expect higher prices on Amazon).
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