Every LEGO Chess Set Ever Released

LEGO's iconic "binding brick," patented in 1958, didn't lead to an official chess set until 2005—a surprising delay. This article explores the reasons behind this, highlighting the shift in LEGO's target audience and branding strategy over time. Initially focused on children, LEGO's adult market appeal and the concept of integrating LEGO into broader lifestyle contexts only gained significant traction much later.

The following chronological list details all 12 LEGO chess sets ever released, concluding with the only currently available set in 2025:

A Comprehensive History of LEGO Chess Sets

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 expansion of the LEGO Castle line, featured two armies: the Shadow Knights and 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 substantial 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, showcasing detailed minifigures.

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 smooth board.

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-less 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, featuring a compact steampunk design.

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 current, readily available set, featuring a classic design.

Acquiring Retired Sets: Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching on secondary marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.