LEGO's iconic interlocking brick, patented in 1958, didn't make its way to the chessboard until 2005, a fact that surprised even seasoned LEGO enthusiasts. This seemingly obvious marriage of bricks and classic game took nearly 50 years! The delay is intriguing, especially considering the potential for broad appeal. In 2005, LEGO's primary market was children, with adult engagement and the concept of LEGO lifestyle branding still years away (significant growth in this area didn't occur until around 2020). The idea of seamlessly integrating LEGO creations into non-LEGO spaces was unprecedented in 2005. What we now consider commonplace was revolutionary then.
This article presents a chronological history of every LEGO Chess set—twelve in total, with only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For broader chess set options, see 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, part of the Knights' Kingdom expansion within the LEGO Castle theme. It featured two opposing armies: the Shadow Knights, led by Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, under King Matthias. The set included 24 highly detailed minifigures with distinct armor and shields.
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 boasted 24 minifigures, this time clad in iconic horned Viking helmets, armed with spears and axes.
Set: #852001
Release Date: 2007
Piece Count: 162
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
A more generic Castle-themed set, pitting crown knights against a skeletal undead army. The standout feature? 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
To this day, this remains LEGO's largest and most elaborate chess set. The two-foot square board featured four miniature builds representing different realms (skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle). The smooth, non-studded board enhanced its elegant appearance, and the pieces themselves—wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks—were exceptionally detailed.
Set: #852751
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 126
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
A Royal Navy versus pirate crew clash. This set stood out for its diverse pirate pawns, each with unique costumes and accessories, and, most memorably, a knife-wielding monkey as the pirate knight.
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.
Set: #853373
Release Date: 2012
Piece Count: 201
Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
This Castle-themed set pitted a Green Dragon army against a Red Lion army. Noteworthy for its detailed minifigures and a unique baseplate with corner bastions. This set marked a shift away from travel-friendly designs, prioritizing display over portability.
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 sand and ocean elements. This was the first set to utilize a smooth board with center studs, improving both aesthetics and functionality.
Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
A departure from themed sets, this offered a classic chess set with traditional blocky pieces and integrated storage. Its seven-year run (until 2024) speaks to its enduring appeal.
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, resulting from the AFOL Designer Program.
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 minifigures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
[0See it at Amazon]
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 with dark brown and beige squares reminiscent of polished wood. Its simplicity and functionality represent a departure from the more elaborate, less practical sets of the past.
[0See it at LEGO]
Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching third-party sellers such as Amazon (expect higher prices), eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets offers more detailed shopping advice.
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