LEGO patented its signature "binding brick" in 1958, yet it took nearly 50 years for the first official LEGO chess build to be released in 2005. This fact surprised me, a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, as I believed a LEGO Chess set would be a natural and marketable product for a broad audience. However, in 2005, LEGO primarily targeted children, and it wasn't until 2007 that the company began catering to adults. The concept of integrating LEGO into non-brick living spaces through lifestyle branding didn't gain traction until around 2020. What we now see as commonplace in 2025 was groundbreaking when the first LEGO chess set was introduced in 2005, especially since most previous builds were miniature playsets rather than real-life representations.
Here's an ordered history of every LEGO Chess Set, totaling 12 sets, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For additional options, you can explore 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 theme. It featured two opposing forces: the Shadow Knights, led by the evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 intricately designed minifigures with detailed armor and unique 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 also featured 24 minifigures, this time adorned with classic 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 pitted crown knights against an undead skeleton army. A standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops, complete with large 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, 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, studless board added elegance, while the detailed pieces included wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege tower rooks.
Set: #852751
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 126
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This set depicted a battle between the Royal Navy and a pirate crew. Each pirate pawn had a unique costume and accessory, with the pirate knight represented by a curly-tailed monkey wielding a knife, adding a touch of chaos.
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 allowed for nine different classic board games, including Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three types of Travel Bingo.
Set: #853373
Release Date: 2012
Piece Count: 201
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This set featured a Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army, with detailed minifigures. The Red Lion knight was a jester with a big smile. Designed for display rather than travel, this set did not include a carry case or storage compartment.
Set: #40158
Release Date: 2015
Piece Count: 776
Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
Price: $59.99
The second Pirates-themed set featured a beach theme with sand and ocean. It introduced smooth squares with central studs, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
The first LEGO chess set without minifigures or thematic gimmicks, it offered traditional, blocky pieces and storage beneath the board. This set remained in production for seven years until its retirement at the end of 2022.
Set: #BL19013
Release Date: 2019
Piece Count: 372
Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
Price: $37.99
A collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink, this tiny set was designed by fan CorvusA through the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program, which launched 13 fan-designed sets 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," where Harry, Hermione, and Ron faced the chess challenge. It included three minifigures representing the trio.
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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 release, this set remains available in stores. Its dark brown and beige squares mimic polished wood, offering a classic, functional design that contrasts with the more elaborate sets of the past.
0See it at LEGO
Finding retired LEGO sets can be challenging. Most of the LEGO chess sets listed here are no longer in production. To purchase these, consider third-party sellers. Amazon may offer them at a higher price, but your best options are likely eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For more detailed information on where to shop, see our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets.