"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Comprehensive Release History"

LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that the company released its first official chess build. As someone who spends much of my free time exploring and building with LEGO, I was surprised to learn this fact. The idea of a LEGO Chess set seemed like a natural fit—a simple and marketable way to introduce LEGO to a broader audience.

However, in 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company started catering more to adults. The concept of LEGO lifestyle branding, integrating brick-built items into everyday living spaces, didn't gain significant traction until around 2020. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO Chess set was introduced in 2005, and it was virtually unheard of in the preceding decades, when most builds were focused on miniature playsets rather than real-life representations.

Below is a detailed history of every LEGO Chess Set, totaling 12 sets, including the only one still available for purchase in 2025. For more options, check out our guide to the best overall chess sets.

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 theme, 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 adorned with 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 Chess set included 24 minifigures equipped with iconic horned 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
This Castle-themed set pitted an army of crown knights against an undead skeleton army. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, wielding 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 elaborate LEGO Chess set to date, the Giant Chess Set featured a board that was two feet square and included miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board added elegance, and the detailed pieces, including wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks, were exceptional.

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 battle between the Royal Navy and a crew of pirates. The variety of pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, was particularly enjoyable. The pirate knight was a standout—a curly-tailed monkey 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
This compact, travel-friendly set allowed players to enjoy nine classic 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 Castle-themed set depicted a conflict between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, particularly the Jester knight with a cartoonish smile, were a highlight. Unlike previous sets, this one was designed for display rather than travel, lacking a carry case or storage compartment.

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. This set introduced smooth squares with central studs, 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
The first LEGO Chess set without minifigures or thematic gimmicks, this set offered traditional, blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. It remained in stores for seven years, retiring 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 fan CorvusA through the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, this tiny set was part of 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 Harry Potter scene where Harry, Hermione, and Ron faced the chess trial. It included minifigures representing the trio.

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
Reviewed upon its 2024 launch, this set features dark brown and beige squares reminiscent of polished wood, offering a classic, functional design. It's the only LEGO Chess set still available in stores.

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging, but they're often available through third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer them at a premium, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are often better options. For more information, see our guide on the best places to buy LEGO sets.