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 dedicated LEGO enthusiast, was a revelation. The delay seems puzzling; a LEGO chess set feels like a natural, broadly appealing product. However, LEGO's primary audience in 2005 was children. Adult-focused marketing didn't gain significant traction until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO builds into adult living spaces truly blossomed around 2020. What we readily accept in 2025 was groundbreaking in 2005, unheard of in previous decades when LEGO primarily focused on miniature playsets instead of realistic depictions.
Below is a chronological list of all 12 LEGO Chess Sets ever released, including the only one currently available (2025). For broader chess set options, check out our guide to the best overall chess sets.
The inaugural LEGO chess set, part of the Knights' Kingdom expansion within the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two armies: the Shadow Knights (led by Vladek) and the Kingdom of Morcia (led by King Matthias). The set included 24 minifigures with detailed armor and distinctive shields.
Similar to the Knights' Kingdom set, this featured 24 minifigures, this time clad in classic horned Viking helmets, wielding spears and axes.
A more generic Castle-themed set, pitting crown knights against an undead skeleton army. The Grim Reaper bishops, with their large scythes, were a standout feature.
LEGO's largest and most elaborate chess set (by a significant margin). The two-foot square board included four miniature builds representing the skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle realms. The smooth, non-studded board offered a sophisticated look, and the pieces—wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks—were exceptionally detailed.
A Royal Navy versus pirate crew theme. The set's variety was notable; while naval officer pawns were largely uniform, each pirate pawn boasted unique attire and accessories. A highlight was the pirate knight: a knife-wielding monkey!
A compact, travel-friendly set enabling play of nine classic games: Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three variations of Travel Bingo.
A Castle-themed set featuring a Green Dragon army against a Red Lion army. The minifigures were highly detailed, with the Red Lion jester knight a particular standout. This set prioritized display over portability, lacking a carrying case or integrated piece storage.
The second pirate-themed set, with a beach/ocean setting. This introduced a smooth board with centered studs, improving aesthetics and functionality compared to earlier baseplate boards.
A gimmick-free set featuring traditional chess pieces with integrated storage. Its longevity (on shelves until 2022) speaks to its appeal.
A collaboration between LEGO and BrickLink, designed by CorvusA via the BrickLink AFOL Designer Program.
Recreating the iconic chess scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione minifigures.
The current (2025) offering, featuring a polished wood aesthetic with dark brown and beige squares. Its simplicity and functionality represent a departure from earlier, more elaborate designs.
Finding older, retired LEGO sets often requires exploring third-party sellers like Amazon (expect premium pricing), eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
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