"All LEGO Chess Sets: A Comprehensive Release History"

LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, yet it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that they introduced their first official chess build. This fact, unearthed during my research for this article, caught me off guard, even as an avid LEGO enthusiast. The delay in releasing a LEGO Chess set seemed puzzling, considering it could be an accessible and marketable product for a broad audience.

In 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, with little attention given to adult fans until 2007. The concept of integrating LEGO into everyday adult life and lifestyle branding didn't gain momentum until around 2020. The debut of the LEGO chess set in 2005 was a pioneering move, as most earlier sets were centered around miniature playsets rather than real-life replicas.

Below is a detailed history of all LEGO Chess Sets, totaling 12, including the latest one available for purchase in 2025. For more chess set options, be sure to check out our comprehensive 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 themed around the Knight's Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle line. It featured two opposing forces: the Shadow Knights, led by the nefarious sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, commanded by King Matthias. The 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 its predecessor, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures donning iconic horned 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. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, equipped with 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 ornate LEGO chess set to date, the Giant Chess Set featured a two-foot-square board and included four miniature realms: skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle. The smooth board added elegance, while the pieces, including wizard bishops, mounted knights, and fortified siege tower rooks, were exceptionally crafted.

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 depicted a clash between the Royal Navy and a band of pirates. The diversity in the pirate pawns' costumes and accessories added a unique flair, with a standout being the pirate knight, a knife-wielding monkey.

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 pieces for nine classic board 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
This Castle-themed set showcased a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, especially the Jester knight with a broad smile, were a highlight. Notably, this set lacked a travel case, marking a shift toward display-focused designs.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

Set: #40158
Release Date: 2015
Piece Count: 776
Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This second Pirates-themed set featured a beach setting with sand and ocean elements. Its smooth squares with central studs offered a more functional 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
This set marked a departure with no thematic elements or minifigures, featuring traditional, blocky chess pieces and storage beneath the board. It remained in production for seven years before retirement 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
A collaboration with BrickLink, this tiny set was designed by fan CorvusA as part of the AFOL Designer Program, launching 13 fan-designed sets 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 memorable chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, including minifigures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

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 remains available in stores. Its dark brown and beige squares mimic polished wood, offering a classic and functional design.

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging, as most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production. For those interested in acquiring these discontinued sets, third-party marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are viable options, often at a premium. Explore our guide on the best places to buy LEGO sets for more detailed information on where to shop.