LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that the company released its first official chess set. This fact surprised even avid LEGO enthusiasts like myself. The delay in introducing a LEGO Chess set might seem puzzling, especially given its potential to attract a broad audience. However, in 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company began to cater more to adults. The concept of integrating LEGO into everyday life and home decor didn't gain significant traction until around 2020. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set was introduced in 2005, especially since most LEGO builds at the time were miniature playsets rather than representations of real-life objects.
Below is a comprehensive history of every LEGO Chess Set, totaling 12 sets, including the only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For those interested in other chess options, you can also explore 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, an extension of the LEGO Castle theme. 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 minifigures with intricately designed 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 also featured 24 minifigures, this time adorned with classic horned Viking 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 skeleton army. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, armed with large 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 elaborate LEGO chess set ever created, the Giant Chess Set was a marvel. The board measured two feet on each side and included four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board added elegance, and the pieces, including wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege tower rooks, were the most detailed yet.
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 Royal Navy versus a crew of pirates. The variety in the pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, was a standout feature. The pirate knight, a curly-tailed monkey wielding 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
This compact set was designed for travel and included nine classic board games: 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, especially the Red Lion knight portrayed as a Jester with a big smile, were a highlight. The board, mounted on a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, was designed for display rather than travel.
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 was the first LEGO chess board to use smooth squares with single studs in the center, 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
This set marked LEGO's first foray into a traditional chess set without thematic elements or minifigures. Its longevity on the market, lasting seven years until its retirement at the end of 2022, speaks to its appeal.
10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired
Set: #BL19013
Release Date: 2019
Piece Count: 372
Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
Price: $37.99
Designed by LEGO fan CorvusA through the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, this tiny set was one of 13 fan-designed sets released 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 scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" where Harry, Hermione, and Ron faced the chess trial. It included three minifigures representing the trio.
LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set
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12. Traditional Chess Set
Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
Our review of LEGO's latest chess set highlighted its classic appeal with dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood. This simple, functional set is a departure from the more elaborate designs of the past and is the only one still available in stores.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding a retired LEGO set can be challenging, as most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production. For those interested in purchasing retired sets, third-party sellers are your best option. While Amazon may offer some retired sets at a higher price, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often provide better opportunities. For more information on where to find LEGO sets, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.