Every LEGO Chess Set Ever Released

LEGO's iconic "binding brick" received its patent in 1958, yet the company's first official chess set didn't arrive until 2005—a nearly 50-year gap. This surprising fact, even for a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, highlights a fascinating evolution in the brand's target audience and product strategy. The delay wasn't due to a lack of potential; a LEGO chess set seemed a natural extension, offering broad appeal. However, LEGO's primary focus in 2005 remained on children. Adult-focused products and the concept of LEGO as a lifestyle brand, seamlessly integrating into adult spaces, didn't gain significant traction until much later, around 2007 and 2020 respectively.

What's commonplace today was groundbreaking in 2005. The first LEGO chess set represented a significant departure from the predominantly miniature playsets of previous decades. This shift reflects a broader change in LEGO's market and design philosophy.

Below is a chronological list of all 12 LEGO Chess Sets ever released, including the only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For a broader selection of chess sets, consult 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, part of the Knight's Kingdom expansion within the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, under King Matthias. The set included 24 detailed minifigures with unique armor and 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 its predecessor, this set also boasted 24 minifigures, this time clad in iconic horned Viking helmets and armed 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

Another Castle-themed offering, this set featured a more generic conflict between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, wielding impressive 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

To this day, this remains LEGO's largest and most elaborate chess set. The substantial two-foot square board included four miniature builds representing different realms (skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle). Its smooth, non-studded board and intricately designed pieces (wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as 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 the Royal Navy against a diverse pirate crew. The variety in pirate pawn designs, each with unique costumes and accessories, contrasted with the uniformity of the naval officers. A particularly memorable feature was the monkey pirate 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 and travel-friendly set featuring nine classic games, including chess, checkers, and backgammon.

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 featured a Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army, with highly detailed minifigures. The set prioritized display over portability, lacking a carrying case or internal storage for pieces.

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 pirate-themed set, this one featured a beach setting with sand and ocean elements. The smooth squares with central studs represented an aesthetic improvement over previous baseplate boards.

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 a departure, offering a straightforward chess set without gimmicks or minifigures, featuring traditional blocky pieces and integrated storage. Its longevity (remaining on shelves until 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 miniature set was designed by user CorvusA as part of BrickLink's AFOL Designer Program.

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

Recreating the iconic chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, this set included minifigures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

12. Traditional Chess Set

Set: #40719 Release Date: 2024 Piece Count: 743 Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide Price: $74.99

Reviewed upon its 2024 release, this is the only currently available LEGO chess set. Its dark brown and beige color scheme evokes polished wood, offering a classic and functional design.

Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching third-party sellers like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and sometimes Amazon (at potentially higher prices). For more comprehensive guidance on LEGO purchasing, refer to our guide on the best places to buy LEGO sets.