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"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History"

Author : Hazel Update : Apr 21,2025

LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" back in 1958, yet it wasn't until 2005 that the company unveiled its first official chess set. This fact was a revelation even to me, a dedicated LEGO enthusiast. Why the long wait for such an obvious product? LEGO Chess seemed like a natural fit—a straightforward way to introduce the beloved bricks to a broader audience. However, in 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, with little attention given to adult fans. It wasn't until 2007 that LEGO began to seriously cater to adults, and the concept of integrating LEGO 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 almost unthinkable in the preceding decades, when most sets were miniature playsets rather than representations of real-life objects.

Here's a chronological rundown of all 12 LEGO Chess Sets, including the only set still available for purchase in 2025. For additional options, 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 themed around the Knight's Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two opposing forces: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, commanded by King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures, each adorned with intricate armor and unique 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 Knight's Kingdom set, the Vikings set also featured 24 minifigures, this time donning classic horned helmets and wielding 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 was more generic than its Knight's Kingdom predecessor. It depicted a battle between crown knights and an undead skeleton army, with the highlight being the Grim Reaper bishops, equipped 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 ornate chess set LEGO ever produced, the Giant Chess Set was truly impressive. It featured a two-foot-square board and included four miniature builds representing different realms. The board's smooth surface added an elegant touch, while the pieces, including wizard bishops, mounted knights, and fortified siege tower rooks, were beautifully designed.

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 diverse crew of pirates. Each pirate pawn had a unique appearance and accessory, adding a delightful variety. The standout piece was the pirate knight, a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife, embodying chaos and fun.

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 was designed for travel and included components for nine classic board games: Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three different cards for 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 battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The minifigures were rich in character and detail, with the Red Lion knight, a Jester with a broad smile, being a particular highlight. The board was mounted on a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, marking an early shift towards sets designed for display rather than play.

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 a beach theme, with one side resembling sand and the other, ocean. It was the first LEGO chess board with smooth squares and central studs, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal 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 straightforward chess set without thematic gimmicks or minifigures. It featured blocky, traditional pieces and a storage space beneath the board. Its longevity is notable, as it remained available until its retirement 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 LEGO fan CorvusA through the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, this tiny set was one of 13 fan-designed sets released 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 scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, complete with three minifigures representing Harry, Hermione, and Ron. It captured the magical essence of the film's chess trial.

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
We reviewed LEGO's latest chess set upon its 2024 release, and it remains the only one currently available in stores. With its dark brown and beige squares, it evokes the look of polished wood, offering a classic and functional design that stands in contrast to the more elaborate sets of the past.

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

The challenge of finding a retired LEGO set is that they are often no longer available through official channels. Most of the LEGO chess sets listed here have been retired, so you'll need to explore third-party sellers. While Amazon may carry some retired sets at a higher price, your best options are platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more information on where to find LEGO sets, see our guide on the best places to buy LEGO sets.