LEGO patented its signature "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that LEGO released its first official chess build. As someone deeply immersed in the world of LEGO, I was surprised to learn this fact. The concept of LEGO Chess seemed like a natural fit—an accessible, marketable way to introduce the beloved bricks to a broader audience.

However, in 2005, LEGO primarily targeted children. The company didn't focus on adult fans until 2007, and the idea of LEGO lifestyle branding, integrating brick-built items into everyday living spaces, didn't gain traction until around 2020. What we now see as a common practice in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set debuted in 2005, and virtually unheard of in earlier decades when most LEGO builds were miniature playsets.

Below is a comprehensive history of all LEGO Chess Sets, ordered by their release dates. There have been 12 sets in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For those interested in more 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 was part of the Knights' Kingdom, an expansion of the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. This set included 24 intricately 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 Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set also included 24 minifigures, this time sporting classic horned Viking helmets and wielding 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 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 featured a smooth, elegant board and included four miniature builds representing different realms. The pieces were highly detailed, with wizards as bishops, minifigures on horseback as knights, and fortified siege towers as rooks.

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 a pirate crew, with uniquely dressed pirate pawns and a memorable 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, travel-friendly set that included nine classic board games, making it versatile and convenient.

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 showcased a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures and the unique baseplate with corner bastions made it a standout for display.

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 a more aesthetically pleasing and functional board design.

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 the first time LEGO offered a traditional chess set without themed elements or minifigures. It remained available for seven years before being retired in 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 between LEGO and the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, this tiny set was designed by fan CorvusA.

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 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 and only currently available LEGO chess set, this set features a classic wooden aesthetic with dark brown and beige squares. Our review highlighted its simplicity, appeal, and functionality.

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

0See it at LEGO

Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. Most of the LEGO chess sets listed here are no longer in production. For those interested in purchasing retired sets, third-party sellers are your best option. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often have these sets, though at a premium. For more detailed shopping advice, refer to our guide on the best places to buy LEGO sets.