Every LEGO Chess Set Ever Released

LEGO's iconic "binding brick," patented in 1958, didn't lead to an official LEGO chess set until 2005—a surprising gap, even for a seasoned LEGO enthusiast. This delay highlights the evolution of LEGO's target audience and brand identity. In 2005, LEGO primarily focused on children; adult appeal and lifestyle branding weren't significant until later. The concept of integrating LEGO creations into adult living spaces only gained traction around 2020.

The 2005 release was groundbreaking, preceding the current norm of LEGO sets designed for display and adult collectors. Early sets were primarily miniature playsets, not realistic representations.

Below is a chronological list of all 12 LEGO Chess sets, with the only currently available set noted:

All LEGO Chess Sets: A Comprehensive Timeline

1. Knights’ Kingdom Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #851499
• Release Date: 2005
• Piece Count: 80
• Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

This inaugural set, part of the Knights' Kingdom (a LEGO Castle expansion), featured Shadow Knights versus the Kingdom of Morcia, with 24 detailed minifigures.

2. Vikings Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #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 included 24 minifigures, this time Viking-themed.

3. Castle Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #852001
• Release Date: 2007
• Piece Count: 162
• Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

A more generic Castle theme, pitting crown knights against skeletons, notable for its Grim Reaper bishops.

4. Giant Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #852293
• Release Date: 2008
• Piece Count: 2292
• Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches wide
• Price: $199.99

LEGO's largest chess set, featuring a large board and miniature realm builds.

5. Pirates Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #852751
• Release Date: 2009
• Piece Count: 126
• Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

A Royal Navy versus pirate theme, with unique pirate pawn designs.

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

• Set Number: #852676
• Release Date: 2009
• Piece Count: 81
• Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches wide
• Price: $24.99

A compact set including chess and eight other classic games.

7. Kingdoms Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #853373
• Release Date: 2012
• Piece Count: 201
• Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide
• Price: $49.99

A Green Dragon versus Red Lion army theme, designed more for display than play.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 (Retired)

• Set Number: #40158
• Release Date: 2015
• Piece Count: 776
• Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
• Price: $59.99

A beach-themed pirate set with a smoother board design.

9. Iconic Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #40174
• Release Date: 2017
• Piece Count: 1450
• Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
• Price: $59.99

A classic, minifigure-free chess set with integrated storage.

10. Steampunk Mini Chess (Retired)

• Set Number: #BL19013
• Release Date: 2019
• Piece Count: 372
• Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
• Price: $37.99

A BrickLink collaboration, a compact steampunk-themed set.

11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set (Retired)

• Set Number: #76392
• Release Date: 2021
• Piece Count: 876
• Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide
• Price: $59.99

A recreation of the chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

12. Traditional Chess Set

• Set Number: #40719
• Release Date: 2024
• Piece Count: 743
• Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
• Price: $74.99

The currently available set, featuring a classic design and wood-like aesthetic.

Locating Retired Sets: Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching third-party sellers like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon (expect higher prices).