When I was a child my dad had this cute little chess set. It was about 4 x 4 inches, and made of wood. It had 2 drawers (one on each side) to hold the chess pieces.
The chess pieces themselves were tiny, and also carved of wood. They had a peg on the bottom that fit in a hole at the center of each square on the chess board. Otherwise it would have been easy to knock them over. It was a compact little set, great for travel.
My dad taught me how to play chess when I was about 6. Although I have learned the rules I never really warmed up to the game, or got good at it. I found it too slow and intellectual. Not my style.
But I did like the little chess set. Unfortunately I don’t know what happened to it through all the moves, but I still have a clear picture of how it looked like. So, when I got back to building with LEGO after my “dark ages”, I decided to build a tiny LEGO chess set. I tried to copy the simplicity and practicality of the chess set my father had, and also its size. I think it turned out nice.
Since I have gotten several requests from family, friends and other LEGO fans for their own mini LEGO chess set, I have created a couple of styles and several color options. They make great gift items for both chess fans and LEGO fans. If you would like to have your own mini LEGO chess set, they are available in my Bricklink store: Sunshine State Bricks.
All LEGO parts for these LEGO chess sets are shiny new. There is one modified part for the pawns’ head, (made from LEGO tow-balls) that is included with each set. However if you want a more “purist” version just regular round plates work well also. I just liked the more authentic look of the round heads.
I have also printed out full color instructions from LEGO Digital Designer (LDD), so you can put the mini LEGO chess set together yourself.
And if you already have the parts to build this little LEGO chess set, and just need a bit of direction for how to make one, just ask.
