LEGO's iconic "binding brick," patented in 1958, didn't see its first official chess set debut until 2005—a surprising gap of nearly 50 years. This article explores the reasons behind this delay and presents a comprehensive history of all 12 LEGO chess sets ever released.
The initial delay stemmed from LEGO's primary focus on children's markets and the nascent stages of adult LEGO enthusiast culture. The concept of LEGO as a lifestyle brand, integrating brick-built items into non-LEGO environments, only gained traction around 2020. What's commonplace in 2025 was revolutionary in 2005.
Below is a chronological list of every LEGO chess set, concluding with the only one currently available for purchase:
All LEGO Chess Sets (Chronological Order)
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
This inaugural set, part of the Knights' Kingdom expansion of the LEGO Castle theme, featured two armies: Shadow Knights and the Kingdom of Morcia, complete with 24 detailed minifigures.
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 included 24 minifigures, this time Viking-themed.
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
A more generic Castle theme, pitting crown knights against skeletons, notable for its Grim Reaper bishops.
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, featuring a substantial board and four miniature realm builds.
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
A Royal Navy versus pirate crew, highlighting unique pirate pawn designs.
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 set including chess and eight other classic games.
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
A Green Dragon versus Red Lion army set, showcasing detailed minifigures.
8. Pirates Chess Set #2 (Retired)
Set: #40158 Release Date: 2015 Piece Count: 776 Dimensions: 21 inches long, 11 inches wide Price: $59.99
A beach-themed pirate set with improved board design.
9. Iconic Chess Set (Retired)
Set: #40174 Release Date: 2017 Piece Count: 1450 Dimensions: 10 inches long, 10 inches wide Price: $59.99
A simple, traditional chess set without minifigures.
10. Steampunk Mini Chess (Retired)
Set: #BL19013 Release Date: 2019 Piece Count: 372 Dimensions: 4 inches long, 4 inches wide Price: $37.99
A BrickLink collaboration, featuring a steampunk aesthetic.
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
A recreation of the chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
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.
Locating Retired Sets: Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching on secondary marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
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