LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" back in 1958, but it took nearly half a century for the company to launch its first official chess set in 2005. As a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, I was surprised to learn this during my research. The concept of a LEGO Chess set seemed like a no-brainer to me—a perfect way to blend LEGO's creativity with a classic game loved by many.
However, back in 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children. The company didn't start catering significantly to adult fans until 2007. The idea of integrating LEGO into everyday living spaces as part of a lifestyle brand didn't gain momentum until around 2020. What feels commonplace to us in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set was released. In earlier decades, LEGO sets were more about miniature playsets rather than realistic depictions.
Below is a detailed history of every LEGO Chess Set released, in chronological order. There have been 12 sets in total, with only one still 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, part of the Knight's Kingdom line, an extension of the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two 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 intricate 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 set, the Vikings Chess Set included 24 minifigures, this time adorned with classic horned 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 set, another Castle-themed release, featured a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, armed with massive 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 included a smooth, two-foot-long board and four miniature builds representing different realms. The pieces were intricately designed, with wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks.
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 motley crew of pirates. Each pirate pawn had a unique costume and accessory, with the pirate knight being 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
A compact travel set that allowed players to enjoy nine different board games, including Chess, Checkers, and Backgammon.
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 conflict between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The Red Lion knight, a Jester with a cartoonish smile, was a highlight. This set marked a shift towards sets designed for display rather than play, as it lacked a carry case and storage compartment.
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 had an outdoor beach theme, with sand and ocean elements. It introduced a new board design with smooth squares and central studs, 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
The first LEGO chess set without minifigures or thematic gimmicks, this set featured traditional blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained available for seven years before being retired 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, this tiny set was part of the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program and showcased a steampunk theme.
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," complete with three minifigures representing Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
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 highlights its polished wood-like appearance with dark brown and beige squares. It's the only set still available in stores, offering a simple, elegant, and 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. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often list retired sets, though at a higher price. For more options, see our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
