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, or "LEGO lifestyle branding," 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 prior to that 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 more chess set 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 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 Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time adorned with archetypal 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 featured a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. A standout feature 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 featured a two-foot-square board and included four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board and intricately designed pieces, including wizards as bishops and minifigures on horseback as knights, 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 a Royal Navy against a crew of pirates, with unique costumes and accessories for each pirate pawn. The pirate knight, a curly-tailed monkey armed 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, travel-friendly set that allowed players to enjoy nine different classic board games, including Chess, Checkers, and Solitaire.
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, including a Jester knight with a cartoonish smile, were a highlight. This set marked a 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 featured an outdoor beach theme 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: #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 elements, this set offered 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 most recent LEGO chess set, reviewed upon its 2024 launch, features dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood. It's simple, appealing, and functional, marking 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, 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 premium, 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.
