LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History

LEGO's iconic interlocking brick, patented in 1958, didn't make its way onto a chessboard until 2005—a surprising gap of nearly 50 years. Even for a seasoned LEGO enthusiast, this fact is striking. Why the delay? In 2005, LEGO's primary market was children. Adult-focused products and the concept of integrating LEGO into broader lifestyle branding didn't gain significant traction until much later, around 2007 and 2020 respectively. What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was truly novel in 2005, a time when LEGO primarily produced miniature playsets rather than realistic representations.

This article details the fascinating history of every LEGO Chess set ever released—a total of twelve, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For broader chess set options, explore our guide to the best overall chess sets.

All LEGO Chess Sets in Order of Release

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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, 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
A more generic Castle-themed set, pitting crown knights against an undead skeleton army. Standout pieces included the Grim Reaper bishops with their imposing 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 substantial board (two feet square) included four miniature builds representing different realms. The pieces themselves were highly detailed, with wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and rooks as fortified siege towers.

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 theme, notable for its diverse pirate pawn designs and a unique 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 more.

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 Red Lion army theme, featuring detailed minifigures and a unique baseplate design. This set prioritized display over portability.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

**Set:** #40158
**Release Date:** 2015
**Piece Count:** 776
**Dimensions:** 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
**Price:** $59.99
A beach-themed pirate set with a smooth board and aesthetically pleasing design.

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 set featuring traditional chess pieces without minifigures or gimmicks. Its simple design contributed to its seven-year run.

10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired

**Set:** #BL19013
**Release Date:** 2019
**Piece Count:** 372
**Dimensions:** 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
**Price:** $37.99
A compact steampunk-themed set, a collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink.

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
A recreation of the iconic chess scene from *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*, including three minifigures.
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 only currently available LEGO chess set, featuring a classic design and polished wood aesthetic.
See it at LEGO

Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Many LEGO chess sets are retired. For these, consider third-party sellers like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon (though often at a premium).

See our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets for more options.

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