LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" back in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly half a century later, in 2005, that the company introduced its first official chess set. As an avid LEGO enthusiast, this fact was quite surprising to me. The concept of a LEGO Chess set seemed like a natural fit—an engaging way to introduce the beloved bricks to a broader audience, yet it took decades to materialize.
In 2005, LEGO primarily targeted children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company began to seriously engage with its adult fanbase. Furthermore, the trend of integrating LEGO builds into everyday adult life, known as LEGO lifestyle branding, didn't really take off until around 2020. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the initial LEGO chess set was released in 2005, and virtually unheard of in the preceding decades dominated by miniature playsets.
Below, I present a comprehensive history of every LEGO Chess Set, totaling 12 sets. Notably, only one remains available for purchase in 2025. For those interested in other options, our guide to the best overall chess sets offers additional choices.
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 themed around the Knights' Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle line. It featured two opposing forces: the Shadow Knights, led by the nefarious sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, commanded by King Matthias. The set included 24 intricately armored minifigures with unique 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
Following the Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings Chess Set introduced 24 minifigures adorned with classic Viking helmets, 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 pitted an army of crown knights against an undead skeleton army. The standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, armed with imposing 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 most expansive and elaborate LEGO chess set to date, the Giant Chess Set boasted a two-foot-square board and included four miniature builds representing different realms. Its smooth board added a touch of elegance, while the pieces, including wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege tower rooks, were the most aesthetically pleasing 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 set themed around pirates, it featured a clash between the Royal Navy and a motley crew of pirates. The diverse pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, added a delightful variety. The highlight was the pirate knight—a monkey armed with a knife, epitomizing the chaotic spirit of the set.
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 included 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 battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The minifigures were richly detailed, with the Red Lion knight—a jovial Jester—being a particular highlight. This set marked a shift towards designs intended for display rather than travel, as it lacked a carry case or separate storage for pieces.
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 introduced an outdoor beach theme, with one side resembling sand and the other ocean. It was the first to feature a board with smooth squares and single studs at their centers, 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 straightforward chess set devoid of thematic elements or minifigures. Its traditional blocky design and storage space beneath the board appealed to a wide audience, and it remained available until its retirement at the end of 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 13 fan-designed sets launched 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
Recreating the memorable scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," this set featured the iconic wizard's chess game and included minifigures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
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
We reviewed this latest addition to the LEGO chess collection upon its 2024 release, and it's the only set still available in stores. Its dark brown and beige squares mimic polished wood, offering a classic aesthetic. This simple yet appealing set stands in contrast to the more ornate, yet less practical sets of the past.
See 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, consider exploring third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer some retired sets at a higher price, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often provide better options. For a more detailed look at where to shop, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
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