LEGO's iconic interlocking brick, patented in 1958, surprisingly didn't lead to an official LEGO chess set until 2005—almost 50 years later! This fact, even for a LEGO enthusiast, is a head-scratcher. Why the delay? In 2005, LEGO's primary market was children. Adult-focused products and the concept of LEGO integrating into adult lifestyles didn't gain significant traction until much later, around 2007 and 2020 respectively. What's commonplace now was truly novel then.
This article presents a chronological history of every LEGO Chess Set ever released—twelve in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For broader 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 inaugural LEGO chess set, part of the Knights' Kingdom expansion within the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two 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 featured 24 minifigures, this time clad in iconic horned Viking helmets, 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 set, this one offered a more generic battle between crown knights and a skeletal undead army. The standout feature? 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
LEGO's largest and most elaborate chess set to date. The two-foot square board featured four miniature builds representing different realms and included exceptionally detailed pieces; wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks. The smooth, non-studded board 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
A Royal Navy versus pirate crew clash. Each pirate pawn boasted a unique costume and accessory, adding to the set's charm. The highlight? A knife-wielding monkey pirate knight!
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 offering 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
A Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army, featuring highly detailed minifigures. The set prioritized display over portability, lacking a carrying case or integrated storage.
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, featuring a beach setting with smooth squares and center studs, improving 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
A minimalist approach—a classic chess set with blocky pieces and integrated storage. Its longevity (seven years on shelves) 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 BrickLink collaboration, a compact steampunk-themed set.
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*, including minifigures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
See 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 current, readily available LEGO chess set, featuring a classic design with dark brown and beige squares.
See it at LEGO
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO sets often requires exploring third-party sellers like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon (expect higher prices there).
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