LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until 2005 that the company released its first official chess set. This fact surprised even avid LEGO enthusiasts like myself. The delay in introducing a LEGO Chess set might seem puzzling, especially since it appears to be a natural fit for expanding the brand's appeal. However, in 2005, LEGO's primary audience was children, and the company did not actively target adults until 2007. The concept of integrating LEGO into everyday adult life, or "LEGO lifestyle branding," didn't gain significant traction until around 2020.
What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set was introduced in 2005. Prior to that, LEGO sets were mostly focused on miniature playsets rather than realistic representations of everyday objects.
Below is a comprehensive list of all LEGO Chess Sets released to date, in chronological order. There have been 12 sets in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For more chess set options, you can also 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
The inaugural LEGO chess set was part of the Knights' Kingdom theme, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two opposing 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 previous year's Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures adorned with iconic 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 Castle-themed set featured a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, armed 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 elaborate LEGO chess set to date, the Giant Chess Set featured a two-foot-square board and included four miniature builds representing different realms. The smooth board and intricately designed pieces, including wizards as bishops and knights on horseback, added to its elegance.
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 crew of pirates, with unique costumes and accessories for each pirate pawn. The pirate knight, a curly-tailed monkey with a knife, added a playful touch.
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 that included pieces for nine different classic board games, including Chess, Checkers, and Ludo.
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 detailed minifigures, including a Jester knight, and a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, made it a standout. This set marked a shift towards display-focused LEGO sets.
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 sand and ocean elements. It introduced smooth squares with 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 elements, this set offered 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, featuring fan-designed sets.
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
The most recent LEGO chess set, reviewed upon its 2024 release, features dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood. It's the only set currently available in stores, offering a simple, functional, and appealing design.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
0See it at LEGO
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. Most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production, so you'll need to turn to 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 information on where to find LEGO sets, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.