"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History"

LEGO patented its signature "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that LEGO released its first official chess build. This fact surprised even avid LEGO enthusiasts like myself. Why did it take so long for LEGO to introduce a chess set? In my opinion, LEGO Chess seemed like a natural fit—an easy, marketable way to appeal to a broad audience.

In 2005, LEGO's primary audience was children. The company didn't start catering significantly to adult fans until 2007. Moreover, the concept of LEGO lifestyle branding, where brick-built items are integrated into non-brick living spaces, didn't gain momentum until around 2020. What we now see as commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set was released in 2005, and it was certainly unprecedented in the preceding decades when most LEGO sets were focused on miniature playsets rather than real-life representations.

Below is a comprehensive history of every LEGO Chess Set released, ordered by their release date. There have been 12 sets in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For those interested in other chess 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: #851499Release Date: 2005Piece Count: 80Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99The inaugural LEGO chess set was part of the Knight's Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 intricately designed minifigures with detailed armor and stylized shields.

2. Vikings Chess Set - Retired

Set: #851861Release Date: 2006Piece Count: 60Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99Similar to the previous year's Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures adorned with iconic horned helmets and armed with spears and axes.

3. Castle Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852001Release Date: 2007Piece Count: 162Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99This set, also themed around castles, featured a generic confrontation between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. The standout pieces were the Grim Reaper bishops, equipped with large scythes.

4. Giant Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852293Release Date: 2008Piece Count: 2292Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches widePrice: $199.99The largest and most ornate chess set LEGO ever produced, the Giant Chess Set featured a two-foot-square board and included four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board and detailed pieces, including wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks, made it a standout.

5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852751Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 126Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99This set introduced a battle between the Royal Navy and pirates. The variety in pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, added charm. The pirate knight, depicted as a curly-tailed monkey with a knife, was a delightful touch.

6. Multi Game Pack 9-in-1 - Retired

Set: #852676Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 81Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches widePrice: $24.99A compact, travel-friendly set, this pack allowed players to enjoy nine classic board games, including Chess, Checkers, and Ludo, making it versatile and convenient.

7. Kingdoms Chess Set - Retired

Set: #853373Release Date: 2012Piece Count: 201Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches widePrice: $49.99This Castle-themed set pitted a Green Dragon army against a Red Lion army. The minifigures were richly detailed, with the Red Lion knight portrayed as a jovial Jester. Notably, this set lacked a carry case and storage compartment, signaling a shift toward display rather than play.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

Set: #40158Release Date: 2015Piece Count: 776Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches widePrice: $59.99The second Pirates-themed set featured a beach setting with sand and ocean elements. It introduced smooth squares with single studs in the center, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired

Set: #40174Release Date: 2017Piece Count: 1450Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches widePrice: $59.99This set marked LEGO's first venture into a traditional chess set without thematic elements or minifigures. Its longevity on the market, lasting until its retirement in 2022, speaks to its appeal.

10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired

Set: #BL19013Release Date: 2019Piece Count: 372Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches widePrice: $37.99A collaboration with BrickLink, this tiny set was designed by fan CorvusA as part of the AFOL Designer Program. It showcased the creativity of LEGO enthusiasts.

11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set - Retired

Set: #76392Release Date: 2021Piece Count: 876Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches widePrice: $59.99This set recreated the memorable chess scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," complete with minifigures representing Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

### LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set

0See it at Amazon### 12. Traditional Chess Set

Set: #40719Release Date: 2024Piece Count: 743Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches widePrice: $74.99We reviewed LEGO's latest chess set upon its 2024 release, and it remains the only set currently available in stores. The dark brown and beige squares mimic polished wood, providing a classic look. This set is simple, appealing, and functional, a contrast to the more elaborate designs of the past.

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

0See it at LEGO

Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Discovering a retired LEGO set 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. Platforms like Amazon might offer them at a higher price, but your best options are likely eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more detailed guidance on where to find LEGO sets, see our comprehensive guide.