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"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History"

Mar 28,25(5 months ago)

LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it took nearly 50 years for the company to introduce its first official chess set in 2005. This fact might surprise even avid LEGO enthusiasts like myself. The delay in releasing a LEGO Chess set was likely due to the company's focus on a younger audience until the mid-2000s. It wasn't until 2007 that LEGO began catering more to adult fans, and the concept of integrating LEGO builds into everyday decor didn't gain momentum until around 2020. The release of the first LEGO chess set in 2005 marked a significant shift, as it was one of the earliest sets designed to appeal to a broader audience beyond children.

Below is an ordered list of all 12 LEGO Chess Sets, including the only one currently available in 2025. For those interested in other chess sets, you can explore our guide to the best overall chess sets.

All LEGO Chess Sets In Order of Release

1. Knights’ Kingdom Chess Set - Retired

Set: #851499Release Date: 2005Piece Count: 80Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

The inaugural LEGO chess set emerged as part of the Knights' Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the nefarious sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures adorned with intricate armor and unique shields.

2. Vikings Chess Set - Retired

Set: #851861Release Date: 2006Piece Count: 60Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

Similar to the previous year's Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings Chess Set also featured 24 minifigures, this time donning iconic horned helmets and equipped with spears and axes.

3. Castle Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852001Release Date: 2007Piece Count: 162Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

Another Castle-themed set, the Castle Chess Set was more generic than its Knights' Kingdom predecessor. It depicted a battle between crown knights and an undead army of skeletons. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, wielding large scythes.

4. Giant Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852293Release Date: 2008Piece Count: 2292Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches widePrice: $199.99

The Giant Chess Set remains the largest and most elaborate LEGO chess set to date. With a board spanning two feet on each side, it included four miniature builds representing the skeleton realm, the troll realm, the dwarf realm, and the castle realm. The smooth board and detailed pieces, including wizard bishops, mounted knights, and fortified siege towers as rooks, added an elegant touch.

5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852751Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 126Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

The first pirates-themed set featured a battle between the Royal Navy and a pirate crew. The set's diversity was striking, with each pirate pawn having a unique costume and accessory, and the pirate knight represented by a curly-tailed monkey wielding a knife.

6. Multi Game Pack 9-in-1 - Retired

Set: #852676Release Date: 2009Piece Count: 81Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches widePrice: $24.99

This compact set was designed for travel and allowed players to enjoy nine different classic board games, including Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three versions of Travel Bingo.

7. Kingdoms Chess Set - Retired

Set: #853373Release Date: 2012Piece Count: 201Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches widePrice: $49.99

This Castle-themed set depicted a confrontation between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The minifigures were detailed and full of character, with the Red Lion knight represented by a jester with a big, cartoonish smile. The board, mounted on a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, marked a shift towards display-focused LEGO sets.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

Set: #40158Release Date: 2015Piece Count: 776Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches widePrice: $59.99

The second Pirates-themed set featured an outdoor beach theme, with one side resembling sand and the other the ocean. The board introduced smooth squares with central studs, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired

Set: #40174Release Date: 2017Piece Count: 1450Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches widePrice: $59.99

The Iconic Chess Set marked LEGO's first attempt at a no-frills, traditional chess set with blocky pieces and storage space beneath the board. Its design ensured longevity, remaining in stores for seven years until its retirement at the end of 2022.

10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired

Set: #BL19013Release Date: 2019Piece Count: 372Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches widePrice: $37.99

Designed by LEGO fan CorvusA, this tiny set was part of the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program. It was one of 13 fan-designed sets released in 2019, showcasing the creativity of LEGO's adult fans.

11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set - Retired

Set: #76392Release Date: 2021Piece Count: 876Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches widePrice: $59.99

This set recreated the memorable chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, where Harry, Hermione, and Ron faced the chess trial. It included three minifigures representing the trio.

### LEGO Hogwarts Wizard's Chess Set

0See it at Amazon

12. Traditional Chess Set

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

We reviewed LEGO's latest chess set upon its 2024 launch, and it remains the only one still available in stores. With its dark brown and beige squares reminiscent of polished wood, it offers a classic yet functional design.

### 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 chess sets listed here are no longer in production, so you'll need to search third-party sellers. While Amazon may occasionally carry retired sets at higher prices, platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace often provide better options. For more detailed guidance, refer to our article on the best places to buy LEGO sets.

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