LEGO, renowned for its iconic interlocking bricks, patented its fundamental "binding brick" design way back in 1958. Surprisingly, the company didn't release its first official chess set until nearly 50 years later, in 2005. This fact, even for a seasoned LEGO enthusiast, is a head-scratcher. Why the delay? LEGO Chess seemed, intuitively, a perfect fit – a simple, marketable way to broaden its appeal. However, in 2005, LEGO's primary market was children. The company's significant outreach to adult consumers didn't truly begin until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO builds into adult lifestyles wasn't widely embraced until around 2020. What's commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking in 2005, and unimaginable in the preceding decades when LEGO mostly produced miniature playsets rather than realistic representations.
Below is a chronological history of every LEGO Chess Set ever produced – twelve in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For additional options, 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
LEGO's inaugural chess set, part of the Knights' Kingdom expansion within the LEGO Castle line. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the villainous Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, under King Matthias. The set included 24 detailed minifigures with distinctive armor and 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 its predecessor, this set featured 24 minifigures, this time clad in classic horned Viking helmets and armed 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
Another Castle-themed offering, this set presented a more generic conflict between crown knights and an undead skeleton army. The standout pieces were the Grim Reaper bishops, wielding 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
To this day, this remains LEGO's largest and most elaborate chess set. The substantial board (two feet square) included four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The board's smooth, non-studded surface provided a sophisticated look, and the pieces themselves were exceptionally detailed; bishops were wizards, knights were mounted minifigures, and rooks were imposing siege towers.
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 the Royal Navy against a diverse band of pirates. Each pirate pawn boasted a unique costume and accessory, contrasting with the more uniform naval officers. The highlight? A curly-tailed monkey pirate knight armed with 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
A compact, travel-friendly set offering nine classic 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 Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army. The minifigures were highly detailed, with the Red Lion knight jester being a particular standout. Unlike previous sets, it lacked a carrying case or integrated storage. This set prioritized display over portability.
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 pirate-themed set featured a beach setting, with sand and ocean elements. This was the first LEGO chessboard to utilize smooth squares with central studs, improving 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
A departure from previous themed sets, this offered a straightforward chess set with traditional blocky pieces and integrated storage beneath the board. Its popularity ensured it remained on shelves for seven years before its retirement 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, designed by user CorvusA, as part of BrickLink's AFOL Designer Program.
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*, including minifigures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
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
The current, readily available LEGO chess set. Its dark brown and beige color scheme evokes polished wood, offering a classic aesthetic. This set prioritizes simplicity, appeal, and functionality.
See it at LEGO
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding older, retired LEGO sets often requires searching third-party sellers. While Amazon may carry some at inflated prices, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are usually better options. For more detailed guidance on LEGO sourcing, consult our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
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