Every LEGO Chess Set Ever Released

LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that LEGO released its first official chess build. This surprising fact caught my attention while researching for this article. As a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, I was intrigued by the delay. The concept of LEGO Chess seemed like a natural fit – an accessible and marketable way to introduce bricks to a broader audience.

In 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and the company did not actively target adult fans until 2007. Moreover, the integration of LEGO into non-brick living spaces, 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 debuted in 2005, and was unimaginable in earlier decades when LEGO primarily focused on miniature playsets rather than real-life representations.

Below is a comprehensive history of every LEGO Chess Set, detailing all 12 releases, including the only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For those interested in exploring more options, don't miss 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, 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 intricately 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, this time donning archetypal horned Viking 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
This Castle-themed set presented a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, equipped 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 was significantly more expansive. It included a two-foot-square board and four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The board had a smooth, elegant finish, and the pieces were exceptionally detailed, featuring 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 pirate crew. The variety in the set was impressive; while the naval officer pawns were uniform, each pirate pawn boasted a unique costume and accessory. The pirate knight was a highlight, depicted as a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife, adding a touch of chaos to the game.

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 travel-friendly set allowed for nine different classic board games, including 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 minifigures were highly detailed, with the Red Lion knight being a jester with a cartoonish smile. The board featured a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner. Notably, this set did not include a carry case or separate storage, emphasizing its display over play functionality.

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 introduced an outdoor beach theme, with one side resembling sand and the other, ocean. This was the first LEGO chess board with smooth squares and central studs, enhancing 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 venture into a traditional chess set without thematic elements or minifigures. It featured blocky, classic pieces and a storage space beneath the board. This set enjoyed a long shelf life, remaining 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 user CorvusA, this miniature set was a collaboration between LEGO and the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program. Launched in 2019, it was one of 13 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," featuring Harry, Hermione, and Ron. It included three minifigures representing the trio.

12. Traditional Chess Set

Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
The latest addition to the LEGO chess series, reviewed upon its 2024 release, is the only set still available in stores. With its dark brown and beige squares, it mimics the look of polished wood, offering a classic and functional design.

Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging, as most of the sets listed here are no longer in production. If you're interested in a retired set, consider looking at third-party sellers. Platforms like Amazon may offer these sets at a premium, but your best options are likely eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For a more detailed guide on where to find LEGO sets, check out our article on the best places to buy LEGO sets.