by Sarah Mar 04,2025
LEGO's iconic brick first received a patent in 1958. However, it wasn't until 2005, almost 50 years later, that the first official LEGO chess set was released. This surprising fact, even to a seasoned LEGO enthusiast, begs the question: why the delay? A LEGO chess set seems like a natural, easily marketable product to broaden the brand's appeal.
The answer lies in LEGO's target audience. In 2005, LEGO primarily focused on children. Adult-focused marketing didn't become prevalent until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO creations into adult living spaces didn't gain traction until around 2020. What's commonplace in 2025 was revolutionary in 2005. Before then, LEGO primarily produced miniature playsets, not realistic representations of everyday objects.
Below is a chronological list of all 12 LEGO chess sets ever produced, including the only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For additional chess set options, consult our guide to the best chess sets overall.
All LEGO Chess Sets: A Complete History
Set: #851499
Release Date: 2005
Piece Count: 80
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
LEGO's inaugural chess set was part of the Knights' Kingdom theme, an extension of the LEGO Castle line. It featured two armies: the Shadow Knights, led by Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, under King Matthias. The set included 24 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 Knights' Kingdom set, the Vikings set also contained 24 minifigures, this time sporting classic horned Viking helmets, spears, and axes.
Set: #852001
Release Date: 2007
Piece Count: 162
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
Another Castle-themed set, this one featured crown knights battling undead skeletons. The standout pieces were the Grim Reaper bishops, wielding massive scythes.
Set: #852293
Release Date: 2008
Piece Count: 2292
Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches wide
Price: $199.99
By far the largest and most elaborate LEGO chess set ever created, the Giant Chess Set boasted a two-foot square board and four miniature builds representing different realms (skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle). The board's smooth surface and intricately designed pieces (wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks) set it apart.
Set: #852751
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 126
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This set pitted the Royal Navy against pirates, showcasing unique pirate pawn costumes and accessories. The highlight: a curly-tailed monkey pirate knight wielding a knife.
Set: #852676
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 81
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 6.5 inches wide
Price: $24.99
A compact, travel-friendly set offering nine classic games, including chess, checkers, and more.
Set: #853373
Release Date: 2012
Piece Count: 201
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This Castle-themed set featured a Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army. The Red Lion knight, a jester, was a notable piece. Unlike previous sets, it lacked a carrying case or separate storage.
Set: #40158
Release Date: 2015
Piece Count: 776
Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide
Price: $59.99
The second pirate-themed set featured a beach setting, with smooth squares and center studs for improved aesthetics and functionality.
Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This set marked the first time LEGO offered a chess set without gimmicks or minifigures, focusing on traditional, blocky pieces with integrated storage. It remained available for seven years.
Set: #BL19013
Release Date: 2019
Piece Count: 372
Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
Price: $37.99
A miniature set, a collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink, designed by user CorvusA.
Set: #76392
Release Date: 2021
Piece Count: 876
Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide
Price: $59.99
This set recreated the chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, including minifigures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
Currently available, this set features a classic design with dark brown and beige squares, resembling polished wood.
Acquiring Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching third-party sellers like Amazon (at a premium), eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
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