LEGO patented its iconic "binding brick" in 1958, but it wasn't until 2005 that the company released its first official chess set. This fact surprised even avid LEGO enthusiasts like myself. The delay in introducing a LEGO Chess set might seem puzzling, especially given its potential to attract a broad audience. However, in 2005, LEGO's primary focus was on children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company began to cater more to adults. The concept of integrating LEGO into everyday adult life didn't gain significant traction until around 2020.
What we now consider commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set was introduced in 2005. Prior to that, LEGO sets were mostly miniature playsets rather than representations of real-life objects.
Below is a comprehensive list of all LEGO Chess Sets released to date, including the only one still available for purchase in 2025. For more chess set options, check out our guide to the best overall chess sets.
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 Knight's Kingdom, an extension of the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two armies: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures with detailed armor and stylized shields.
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 Knight's Kingdom set, the Vikings set included 24 minifigures, this time adorned with archetypal horned Viking helmets and equipped with spears and axes.
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 more generic design than its Knight's Kingdom counterpart, pitting an army of crown knights against an undead army of skeletons. The highlight was the Grim Reaper bishops, armed with massive scythes.
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 ever designed, the Giant Chess Set featured a two-foot-square board and included four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth board and intricately designed pieces, including wizards as bishops and minifigures on horseback as knights, added to its elegance.
Set: #852751
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 126
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
The first pirates-themed set featured a Royal Navy versus a motley crew of pirates. The variety in the pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, was a standout feature, along with the pirate knight represented by a curly-tailed monkey armed with a knife.
Set: #852676
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 81
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches wide
Price: $24.99
This travel-friendly set allowed players to enjoy nine different classic board games, including Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three different cards for Travel Bingo.
Set: #853373
Release Date: 2012
Piece Count: 201
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This Castle-themed set depicted a battle between the Green Dragon and Red Lion armies. The detailed minifigures, especially the Red Lion knight portrayed as a Jester with a big smile, were a highlight. The board, mounted on a unique baseplate with bastions in each corner, was designed for display rather than travel.
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 sand and ocean elements. It introduced smooth squares with single studs in their centers, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This set marked LEGO's first traditional chess set without gimmicks or minifigures. Its longevity on shelves until the end of 2022 showcased its appeal and functionality.
Set: #BL19013
Release Date: 2019
Piece Count: 372
Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
Price: $37.99
Designed by user CorvusA through the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, this tiny set was one of 13 fan-designed sets launched in 2019.
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, featuring three minifigures representing Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
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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 the only one currently available in stores. Its dark brown and beige squares mimic polished wood, offering a classic and functional design.
0See it at LEGO
Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. Most of the chess sets listed here are no longer in production, so you'll need to turn to third-party sellers. While Amazon may offer some retired sets at a premium, your best options are likely eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more information on where to find LEGO sets, see our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.