LEGO's iconic interlocking brick, patented in 1958, didn't make its way onto a chessboard until 2005—a surprising gap of nearly 50 years! Even for a seasoned LEGO enthusiast, this fact is a head-scratcher. Why the delay? In 2005, LEGO's primary market was children. Adult-focused marketing didn't gain significant traction until 2007, and the concept of integrating LEGO builds into adult lifestyles truly blossomed around 2020. What seems commonplace today was groundbreaking then.
This article chronicles the evolution of LEGO chess sets, from their humble beginnings to the current offerings. Below, you'll find a complete list of all 12 LEGO Chess sets ever released, including the only one readily available in 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 theme, featured two warring factions: the Shadow Knights, led by the villainous Vladek, and King Matthias's Kingdom of Morcia. The set included 24 detailed minifigures, each with unique armor and shields.
A more generic Castle theme, this set pitted crown knights against an army of skeletons. The standout pieces were the Grim Reaper bishops, wielding impressive scythes.
LEGO's largest and most elaborate chess set to date, the Giant Chess Set boasted a two-foot square board and included four miniature realm builds (skeleton, troll, dwarf, and castle). The board's smooth surface and intricately designed pieces—wizards as bishops, knights on horseback, and fortified siege towers as rooks—set it apart.
This set featured a Royal Navy versus pirate showdown. Each pirate pawn boasted a unique costume and accessory, contrasting with the uniformity of the naval officers. The highlight? A knife-wielding monkey pirate knight!
A compact, travel-friendly set offering nine classic games: Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three variations of Travel Bingo.
This Castle-themed set showcased a Green Dragon army against a Red Lion army. The detailed minifigures, particularly the jovial Red Lion jester knight, were a key feature. The set prioritized display over portability, lacking a carrying case or integrated piece storage.
The second pirate-themed set featured a beach setting, with sand and ocean sections on the board. This introduced smooth squares with central studs, improving both aesthetics and functionality.
A departure from themed sets, this offered a classic chess experience with traditional blocky pieces and integrated storage. Its longevity (seven years on shelves) speaks to its appeal.
Currently available, this set features a classic design with dark brown and beige squares, evoking polished wood. Its simplicity and functionality represent a shift from earlier, more elaborate designs.
LEGO Traditional Chess Set
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Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
Finding retired LEGO sets often requires searching third-party sellers such as eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon (expect higher prices). Our guide to the best places to buy LEGO sets offers further details.
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