LEGO's journey with its chess sets began in 1958 when the company patented its iconic "binding brick," but it wasn't until 2005 that LEGO ventured into the world of chess with its first official set. As a LEGO enthusiast, I was surprised to learn that it took nearly 50 years for this to happen. LEGO Chess seemed like a natural fit—a way to appeal to a broad audience, yet the timing reflects LEGO's focus at the time. In 2005, LEGO primarily targeted children, with adult-oriented products not becoming a significant focus until 2007. The concept of integrating LEGO into everyday life, or "LEGO lifestyle branding," didn't gain traction until around 2020. What's commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking back then.
Below is an ordered 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, our guide to the best 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 first LEGO chess set was part of the Knight's Kingdom, an expansion of the LEGO Castle brand. 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 detailed 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 Knight's Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time wearing archetypal 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
Another Castle-themed set, this one pitted an army of crown knights against an undead army of skeletons. The set's highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, complete 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 ornate LEGO chess set to date, 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 gave it an elegant look, and the pieces were intricately designed, with wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and rooks as fortified 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
The first pirates-themed set pitted the Royal Navy against a motley crew of pirates. The set's variety was impressive, with unique costumes and accessories for each pirate pawn, and a curly-tailed monkey as the pirate knight.
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 travel-friendly set that included pieces for 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 depicted a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The set's detailed minifigures and the Jester knight with a big smile were highlights. It was the first LEGO chess set designed for display rather than travel, lacking a carry case or 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 featured an outdoor beach theme with sand and ocean. It was the first to use 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
The first LEGO chess set without gimmicks or minifigures, this set featured traditional blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained on shelves for seven years before being retired 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
Designed by user CorvusA, this tiny set was a collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink through the 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 chess trial from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," complete with 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
The latest and only currently available LEGO chess set, reviewed in 2024, features dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood, offering a classic and functional design.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
0 See it at LEGO
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. While Amazon sometimes offers them at a premium, your best options are third-party platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more information on where to shop, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
