"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History"

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 build. This revelation caught me off guard, even as someone who spends a significant amount of time exploring and building with LEGO. The delay in introducing a LEGO Chess set was intriguing. It seemed like a natural fit for expanding their market to a broader audience.

In 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and it wasn't until 2007 that they started to actively target adult consumers. The concept of LEGO lifestyle branding, where brick-built items blend seamlessly into everyday living spaces, didn't gain traction until around 2020. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set was released in 2005, and it was virtually unheard of in the preceding decades when the majority of LEGO sets were miniaturized playsets rather than life-like representations.

Below is a detailed, chronological list of all 12 LEGO Chess Sets, including the only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For those interested in other options, don't miss our comprehensive 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: $49.99

The inaugural LEGO chess set was themed around the Knight's Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle series. It featured a battle between the Shadow Knights, led by the villainous sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, commanded by King Matthias. The set came with 24 minifigures adorned with intricate armor and unique shields.

2. Vikings Chess Set - Retired

Set: #851861Release Date: 2006Piece Count: 60Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

Similar to the previous year's Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time equipped with traditional horned helmets and armed with spears and axes.

3. Castle Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852001Release Date: 2007Piece Count: 162Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

This set continued the castle theme but was more generic in design. It showcased a confrontation between crown knights and a skeletal army, with standout pieces being the Grim Reaper bishops wielding large scythes.

4. Giant Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852293Release Date: 2008Piece Count: 2292Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches widePrice: $199.99

This was the largest and most elaborate LEGO chess set ever produced. The board measured two feet on all sides and included mini builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board and detailed pieces, including wizard bishops, mounted knights, and fortified rook towers, gave it an elegant appearance.

5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852751Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 126Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

This set introduced a pirates theme, pitting a Royal Navy against a pirate crew. The set's charm lay in its diversity, with unique costumes and accessories for each pirate pawn and a standout pirate knight—a monkey wielding a knife.

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

Set: #852676Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 81Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches widePrice: $24.99

Designed for portability, this compact set enabled players to enjoy 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: $49.99

This Castle-themed set featured a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, especially the Red Lion knight—a jester with a broad smile—were highlights. Unlike previous sets, this one lacked a carry case and storage compartment, signaling a shift towards display over play.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

Set: #40158Release Date: 2015Piece Count: 776Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches widePrice: $59.99

The second pirates-themed set featured a beach setting with sand and ocean elements. The board introduced smooth squares with central studs, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired

Set: #40174Release Date: 2017Piece Count: 1450Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches widePrice: $59.99

This set marked a departure from themed designs, offering a traditional chess set with blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained available for seven years before being retired at the end of 2022.

10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired

Set: #BL19013Release Date: 2019Piece Count: 372Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches widePrice: $37.99

Designed by LEGO fan CorvusA through the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, this compact set was one of 13 fan-designed sets released in 2019.

11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set - Retired

Set: #76392Release Date: 2021Piece Count: 876Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches widePrice: $59.99

This set recreated the memorable chess scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," complete with minifigures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

### 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: $74.99

We reviewed LEGO's most recent chess set upon its 2024 release, and it's the only set still available. Its dark brown and beige squares mimic polished wood, providing a classic and functional design.

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding a discontinued LEGO set can be challenging. Most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production, so you'll need to explore third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer some retired sets at a higher price, your best options are platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.

For more insights on where to purchase LEGO sets, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.