LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, yet it took nearly 50 years for the company to launch its first official LEGO Chess set in 2005. This fact caught me off guard, even as someone who spends a considerable amount of time immersed in the world of LEGO. The delay in releasing a LEGO Chess set was intriguing; after all, it seemed like a natural fit to combine the timeless game of chess with LEGO's creativity and appeal.
In 2005, LEGO primarily targeted a younger audience, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company began to seriously cater to adults. The concept of LEGO lifestyle branding, where brick-built items integrate seamlessly into everyday living spaces, didn't gain momentum until around 2020. Thus, the debut of the first LEGO Chess set in 2005 was a pioneering move, setting the stage for what we now consider commonplace in 2025.
Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all LEGO Chess sets released to date, totaling 12 sets. The most recent set, still available for purchase in 2025, is highlighted. For those interested in exploring other options, don't miss our guide to the best chess sets overall.
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 Knights' Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. 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 designed 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 Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time adorned with iconic horned Viking 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 presented a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops wielding 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 featured a two-foot-square board and included miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board and intricately designed pieces, including wizard bishops and siege tower rooks, set it apart.
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 a Royal Navy against a crew of pirates, with each pirate pawn uniquely costumed and accessorized. The pirate knight, represented by a curly-tailed monkey with a knife, added a whimsical 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 allowed players to enjoy 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
Featuring a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies, this set's minifigures were full of character. The Red Lion knight, depicted as a jester with a big smile, was a particular highlight. This set marked a shift toward 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 introduced a beach setting, with one side featuring sand and the other, ocean. It was the first LEGO Chess board to use smooth squares with central studs, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
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 themed elements or minifigures. Its longevity on shelves, lasting until the end of 2022, speaks to its enduring 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 fan-designed set through the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, this tiny steampunk-themed set captured the imagination of LEGO enthusiasts.
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 memorable 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 upon its 2024 launch praised its polished wood-like aesthetic with dark brown and beige squares. This set remains the only one currently available in stores, offering a simple yet appealing design.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding a retired LEGO set can be challenging, as most of the LEGO Chess sets listed here are no longer in production. For those interested in purchasing a retired set, third-party sellers are your best bet. While Amazon may offer some retired sets at a premium, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often provide better options. For more information on where to shop, check out our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.
