LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until 2005 that the company released its first official LEGO Chess Set. This fact might come as a surprise, even to avid LEGO enthusiasts. The delay in introducing a chess set can be attributed to LEGO's primary focus on children during that time. It wasn't until 2007 that LEGO started to cater more to its adult audience, and the concept of integrating LEGO into everyday lifestyle and decor didn't gain momentum until around 2020.
What is now commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking in 2005 when the first LEGO Chess Set debuted. Before that, LEGO builds were mostly miniature playsets rather than representations of real-life objects. Below is a detailed history of all 12 LEGO Chess Sets, including the one currently available in 2025. For more chess set 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 first LEGO Chess Set was themed around the Knights' Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle line. 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 detailed minifigures with 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 set, the Vikings Chess Set featured 24 minifigures adorned with traditional 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 set featured a battle between crown knights and an undead skeleton army. A highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, complete 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 LEGO Chess Set, the Giant Chess Set included a two-foot-square board and four miniature builds representing different realms. The smooth board and detailed pieces, including wizards as bishops and minifigures on horseback as knights, 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 featured a Royal Navy versus pirates theme, with unique pirate pawns and a monkey knight armed with a knife.
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 set designed for travel, it included pieces for nine different 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 set depicted a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies, with detailed minifigures. It was the first LEGO Chess Set 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
This set featured a beach theme with sand and ocean elements. It introduced smooth squares with central studs for a more functional and aesthetic design.
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, it featured traditional blocky pieces and remained on shelves until 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 with BrickLink, this tiny set was part of the AFOL Designer Program and featured a steampunk theme.
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 minifigures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set
0See it at Amazon
12. Traditional Chess Set
Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
The latest LEGO Chess Set, reviewed in 2024, features dark brown and beige squares resembling polished wood. It's simple, appealing, and functional, and is the only set still available in stores.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
0See it at LEGO
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO Chess Sets can be challenging. Most sets on this list are no longer in production, so you'll need to look at third-party sellers. Amazon may offer retired sets at a higher price, but eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are often better options. For more information on where to buy LEGO sets, see our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
