"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History"

LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly half a century later, in 2005, that the first official LEGO chess set was released. This fact intrigued me, a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, as chess sets seemed like an obvious and engaging way to broaden the appeal of LEGO bricks to a wider audience.

In 2005, LEGO's target market was primarily children. The company didn't start catering significantly to adults until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO into everyday lifestyle and decor didn't gain momentum until around 2020. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was revolutionary back in 2005 when the first LEGO chess set debuted. Prior to this, most LEGO sets were miniature playsets rather than representations of real-life objects.

Below is a comprehensive history of all LEGO Chess Sets released to date, totaling 12 sets, including the only one still available for purchase in 2025. For more chess set 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: #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, expanding on the LEGO Castle theme. It showcased a battle between the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set featured 24 minifigures with intricately 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 Knight's Kingdom set, the Vikings Chess Set also included 24 minifigures, this time donning classic horned helmets and wielding spears and axes.

3. Castle Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852001Release Date: 2007Piece Count: 162Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99This Castle-themed set featured a confrontation between crown knights and an army of skeletons. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops armed with enormous scythes.

4. Giant Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852293Release Date: 2008Piece Count: 2292Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches widePrice: $199.99The largest and most elaborate 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 added elegance, and the pieces, including wizard bishops, horseback knights, and fortified siege tower rooks, were stunning.

5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852751Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 126Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99This set pitted a Royal Navy against a crew of pirates, with uniquely styled pirate pawns and a monkey knight armed with a knife, adding a chaotic flair.

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

Set: #852676Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 81Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches widePrice: $24.99A compact set designed for travel, it included pieces for nine different board games, including Chess, Checkers, and Ludo.

7. Kingdoms Chess Set - Retired

Set: #853373Release Date: 2012Piece Count: 201Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches widePrice: $49.99Depicting a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies, this set featured detailed minifigures and a unique baseplate with bastions. It was the first LEGO chess set designed more for display than travel.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

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

9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired

Set: #40174Release Date: 2017Piece Count: 1450Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches widePrice: $59.99The first LEGO chess set without minifigures or thematic elements, this set offered traditional blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained on shelves until its retirement at the end of 2022.

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 part of the AFOL Designer Program and was designed by fan CorvusA.

11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set - Retired

Set: #76392Release Date: 2021Piece Count: 876Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches widePrice: $59.99Inspired by the iconic scene in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," this set included minifigures representing Harry, Hermione, and Ron, recreating the chess trial.

### LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set

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12. Traditional Chess Set

Set: #40719Release Date: 2024Piece Count: 743Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches widePrice: $74.99Reviewed upon its launch in 2024, this set is the only one still available in stores. With its dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood, it offers a classic, functional design.

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. Most sets on this list are no longer in production, so you'll need to explore third-party sellers. While Amazon may carry some at a higher price, 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.