LEGO's iconic interlocking brick, patented in 1958, didn't make its way onto a chessboard until 2005—a surprising fact even for LEGO enthusiasts. The delay is intriguing. A LEGO chess set seems like a natural, easily marketable product to broaden appeal. However, LEGO's primary audience in 2005 was children. Adult-focused marketing didn't become significant until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO into broader lifestyle branding only truly blossomed around 2020. What's commonplace now was unprecedented then.

This article details the evolution of LEGO chess sets, from their surprising late entry into the market to the current offerings. We'll explore all twelve sets, highlighting their unique features and the shift in LEGO's approach over time. For those interested in alternative chess sets, we also recommend checking out our guide to the best overall chess sets.

All LEGO Chess Sets In Order of Release

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1. Knights’ Kingdom Chess Set - Retired

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, part of the Knights’ Kingdom theme (an expansion of LEGO Castle), featured two armies: the Shadow Knights, led by Vladek, and King Matthias's Kingdom of Morcia. It included 24 minifigures with detailed armor and shields.

2. Vikings Chess Set - Retired

Set: #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 also featured 24 minifigures, this time Viking-themed, complete with horned helmets, spears, and axes.

3. Castle Chess Set - Retired

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 pitted crown knights against skeleton warriors. The standout feature was the Grim Reaper bishops with their large scythes.

4. Giant Chess Set - Retired

Set: #852293
Release Date: 2008
Piece Count: 2292
Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches wide
Price: $199.99
LEGO's largest chess set to date, the Giant Chess Set boasted a substantial size and intricate detail. The two-foot square board included four miniature builds representing different realms and featured uniquely designed pieces, including wizard bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified rook towers. The smooth, unstudded board added to its elegant appearance.

5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired

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, with each pirate pawn uniquely costumed. A highlight was the monkey pirate knight wielding a knife.

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

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 backgammon.

7. Kingdoms Chess Set - Retired

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, with detailed minifigures. The set prioritized display over portability, lacking a carry case or integrated storage.

8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired

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 and improved smooth squares with central studs.

9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired

Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
A minimalist design featuring traditional chess pieces with no minifigures, and integrated storage.

10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired

Set: #BL19013
Release Date: 2019
Piece Count: 372
Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide
Price: $37.99
A compact Steampunk-themed set, a collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink.

11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set - Retired

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 chess scene from *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*, including three minifigures.

12. Traditional Chess Set

Set: #40719
Release Date: 2024
Piece Count: 743
Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide
Price: $74.99
The current, readily available LEGO chess set, featuring a classic design and polished wood aesthetic.

Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets

Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching third-party sellers like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and sometimes Amazon (at a premium). Our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets offers further details.

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