"All LEGO Chess Sets Released: A Comprehensive Guide"

LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until 2005 that they launched their first official chess set. As a LEGO enthusiast constantly immersed in the world of bricks, this fact caught me by surprise. Why the delay in creating a LEGO Chess set, which seemed like an obvious and marketable concept to me?

In 2005, LEGO's primary audience was children, and the company had yet to fully embrace its growing adult fan base, which didn't happen until 2007. The concept of LEGO lifestyle branding, where brick-built items are seamlessly integrated into everyday life, 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, especially considering that most LEGO builds up to that point were miniature playsets rather than realistic models.

Below is a detailed history of all LEGO Chess Sets, ordered by their release dates. There are 12 sets in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For more options, you can 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, an extension of the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, under King Matthias. The set came with 24 minifigures, each adorned with detailed 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 Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time sporting classic 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 featured a battle between crown knights and an undead skeleton army. The highlight was 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 elaborate LEGO chess set ever created, the Giant Chess Set was a marvel. The board measured two feet on each side and included four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board and intricately designed pieces, including wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege tower rooks, 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 The first pirates-themed set featured a clash between the Royal Navy and a pirate crew. The variety in the pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, was a standout feature. The pirate knight, a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife, added a touch of chaos.

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 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 depicted a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, especially the Red Lion knight portrayed as a Jester with a big smile, were a highlight. The board, mounted on a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, was designed for display rather than travel.

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 elements. It introduced 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 This set marked LEGO's first foray into a traditional chess set without minifigures or thematic elements. Its longevity on the market, lasting until the end of 2022, speaks to its appeal.

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 13 fan-designed sets launched 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.

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, launched in 2024, highlights its classic appeal with dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood. It's simple, elegant, and functional, a departure from the more elaborate sets of the past.

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding a retired LEGO set 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.