LEGO's iconic interlocking brick, patented in 1958, surprisingly didn't lead to an official LEGO chess set until 2005—almost 50 years later! This fact, even for a seasoned LEGO enthusiast, is a head-scratcher. Why the delay? In 2005, LEGO's primary market was children. Adult-focused marketing didn't become a significant part of their strategy until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO builds into adult lifestyles didn't truly take off until around 2020. What's commonplace now was quite novel then.
The early LEGO sets primarily focused on miniature playsets, not realistic representations. This context helps explain the delay in a LEGO chess set's release. Below is a chronological list of every LEGO chess set ever produced, including the only one currently available for purchase in 2025. For broader chess set options, check out 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 theme (an extension of the LEGO Castle line), featured two armies: the Shadow Knights (led by Vladek) and the Kingdom of Morcia (led by King Matthias). The set included 24 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 classic 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 an undead army. The standout feature? The Grim Reaper bishops with their impressive scythes.
Set: #852293
Release Date: 2008
Piece Count: 2292
Dimensions: 22.5 inches long, 25 inches wide
Price: $199.99
LEGO's largest and most elaborate chess set to date. The two-foot square board included four miniature builds representing different realms, and the pieces themselves were exceptionally detailed—wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks. The smooth, non-studded board contributed to its elegant aesthetic.
Set: #852751
Release Date: 2009
Piece Count: 126
Dimensions: 12.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide
Price: $49.99
A Royal Navy versus pirates theme. Each pirate pawn had a unique costume and accessory, adding significant variety. The highlight? A knife-wielding monkey 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 allowing play of 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
A Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army. The detailed minifigures, particularly the jester Red Lion knight, were a standout. This set prioritized display over portability, lacking a carrying case or internal storage.
Set: #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 featuring studs in the center of each square—an aesthetic improvement over previous versions.
Set: #40174
Release Date: 2017
Piece Count: 1450
Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide
Price: $59.99
A straightforward chess set without gimmicks or minifigures, featuring traditional pieces and integrated storage. Its longevity (seven years on shelves) speaks to its 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.
Set: #76392
Release Date: 2021
Piece Count: 876
Dimensions: 10.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide
Price: $59.99
A recreation of the iconic chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, including minifigures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
[0](link to 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 and polished wood aesthetic.
[0](link to LEGO)
Finding retired LEGO sets often requires exploring third-party sellers like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon (though expect higher prices there).
AnswerSee Results