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 me, a dedicated LEGO enthusiast who spends much of my free time building and learning about these beloved bricks. The delay in introducing a LEGO Chess set seemed puzzling, as it appeared to be a natural fit for expanding the brand's reach to a broader audience.
In 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company began to seriously cater to adult fans. The concept of LEGO lifestyle branding, where brick-built items seamlessly integrate into everyday living spaces, 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, and it was virtually unheard of in the preceding decades when LEGO sets were mostly miniature playsets rather than representations of real-life objects.
Below is a comprehensive history of every LEGO Chess Set released to 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: #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 included 24 minifigures 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 featured a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, complete 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 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 wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege tower rooks, 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
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 highlight, along with the pirate knight represented by a curly-tailed monkey wielding a knife.
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 allowed players to enjoy nine different classic board games, including 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 depicted a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, especially the Jester knight with a big, cartoonish smile, were a highlight. The board was mounted on a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, marking a shift towards sets 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 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
This set marked LEGO's first foray into a traditional chess set without thematic gimmicks 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, this tiny set was part of the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, which launched 13 fan-designed sets 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
0See it at LEGO
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. If you're interested in a retired set, consider looking at third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer some retired sets at a premium, your best options are likely to be eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more information on where to find LEGO sets, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
