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.
UPDATE: I forgot to mention that this chess-set was featured at The Brothers Brick last year. 😉
Here is the link: https://www.brothers-brick.com/2010/04/06/mini-lego-chess-set-with-adorable-kings-and-queens/
I enjoyed this mini-chess set so much that I built it from the pictures on Flickr and am just about finished, pending the arrival of the silver Belville crown off Bricklink. Thank you very much.
I will just say to those contemplating purchasing your mini-chess MOC that while it seems expensive, try putting it together for yourself and see how it adds up. Buy it.
The one advantage you have of building it yourself though, is if you get the towballs from this piece (item 2508), you can build a cool ninja throwing star from the remains.
Thanks for the nice comment! I’m glad you are enjoying building your own! You will love those little Belville crowns! They are really cute!
Wait a minute! You built a ninja throwing star from the leftover of the towballs?! You mean from these? Long Towball
What a cool idea! 😀
I was wondering what to do with those pieces as I don’t like to throw away LEGO. Thanks for sharing! 😉
Do you have any downloadable building instructions?
Mike, I do have full instructions in LDD, but because I had to use LDD’s Universal Mode, they are not downlodable. However if you use LDD, and I send you over the files, you can probably open them up. And of course I can definitely print them. 😉
FYI: getting the chrome silver and gold pieces for the kings is hard! If you don’t have them already you would probably have to get them from Europe. 🙁
that would be nice if you sent over the files 😀 I’m using LDD
Mike, I just sent you two separate files. One is for the chess set, and the other is for the playing pieces. Let me know that you got them. 😉
Thanks 😀 I got them
You’re welcome, Mike! 😉
Huh…. I got the e-mails but the pictures don’t show up. I’m guessing that the e-mails didn’t go through right…do you mind sending them again?
Mike, I just re-sent them. I used a different format, so hopefully this will go through. If you still have problems let me know.
Thanks, it worked this time 😀 you’ve been a big help
You are welcome, Mike! 🙂
OK…This is most likely the last question I’m going to ask….what is that brown piece that’s on the side of the black brick on Step 5?
Mike, they are just regular brown tiles. On one end of the drawer there is a 1×4 tile, and on the other end a 1×6 tile.
I think it might be helpful for you to look at some of the finished chess sets from different angles – it would give you a better idea of the parts used. Here is the link to my flickr page where you can see more photos: Mini LEGO Chess Set Gallery
Anything else just let me know. 😉
Sorry, I mean’t it looks like a regular 1 x 4 Black brick with a tile stuck to it, but how do you connect the tile to the side of the Brick?
Mike it is just a regular 1×4 brick with studs on the side. Here is what I’m talking about: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=30414
Ok Thanks 😀
I have been looking for a tiny chess set and had found one similar to the one your father described )
But this set combines the best of both tiny chess and LEGOs! Would it be possible to send me the instructions in LDD as well? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Amy, nice picture! Thanks for sharing! 😀
Yes, the top of my Dad’s chess-board was very similar to the one pictured. Also the chess pieces. The board itself had more rounded courners, with carved/painted ornate designs, and there were two drawers for the pieces. But the one you linked is the closest I have seen for a while! 🙂
I’m sending you the LDD files by email. 😉
Nice! Love the color choices! Is lego digital designer hard to use?
No, not hard at all! LDD is an increadibly robust program, at the same time its user interface is designed with children in mind. You can get a hang of it pretty fast! 😀
This is absolutely awesome! I love chess, and I love Legos, and I have been searching for ideas for a set that I could build, and this looks exactly like what I’d like to build. I’d love to check out the LDD instructions. Thanks for making such a cool set!
Justin, I sent you an email with the LDD instructions. Enjoy! 😉
I really liked the idea and made my own in Lego Digital Designer! I was trying to make one and this was a huge inspiration!
Hey, Christoff, I’m glad you got inspired! I would encourage you to build it with real bricks too. You will really see the cuteness then. Also, you can play some real chess! 😉
Would you like to share your design?
The chess set has arrived safe and sound. We just wanted to say that we
are very pleased with it, good play value and aesthetically pleasing
too. My son loved the build up and carries it around the house with him
at the moment. As we decided last night, it’s either a lovely miniature
chess set or a great garden chess set in his Lego village!
What a wonderful world we live in to be able to do business at such a
personal level over such a great distance.
Thanks again and best wishes!
Simon, thanks for the update! 🙂
I’m glad your son is having a good time with it! He can have a chess-tournament for his LEGO knights or villagers. See which side will win! 😛
Yes, the Internet is an amazing place to connect with people all over the world! I’m always amazed by the list of countries people place orders from, or just write. At least on the Internet the world is a very unified place.
Hope it is a good sign for future times to come. 😉
Wauw! That is SO cute! My husband loves both chess and lego. I think it would be a perfect birthdaypresent 🙂
Gitte, thanks! Yes, your husband should have lotsa fun with this! Thanks for your order! Your little chess-set is ready to ship! 😉
could i please have some instructions? i love it!!!!!!
Toy, I have run into some computer trouble recently, and my LDD file for the Mini Chess Set disappeared (along with a bunch of other stuff). 😥
I will redo the instructions one day and add them here, but it might take me some time. In the meantime you might want ot check out my flickr gallery. I have more photos of the mini chess set. You should be able to figure it out and build it. 😉
Mini LEGO Chess Set Gallery
thanks
Can you please send me the LDD files for the set? I really like the idea, and I’ve actually built another chess set in LDD from pics from Flickr, but I think this one’s a little too complicated for me to do that. Particularly the board.
Brad, building steps sent! Enjoy! 😉
Can i have some, too? Thanks.
Sent! 😉
I got them. Thanks.
Thanks!
Hello, is it possible for you to send me a copy of the LDD files to build the chess set? My husband is teaching our 7 year old to play chess and this looks like the perfect Father’s Day gift. Thank you for your help.
Janet, sure, I would happy to share it! I will email it to you sometime tomorrow. Hope that helps! 😉
Janes, I sent you the LDD files. I’m sending the older files, as it seems the newer one is taking up a lot more space. It is the same chess set, but it was created in the older version of LDD, so the file is smaller. Hope you receive it fine. Let me know. 🙂
Wow this is cool. It would be a great Christmas present for my Dad. Do you think you could send me the LDD instructions? Thanks, and good work.
Arthur, I’m actually planning to upload the instructions to TBB, so it can be downloaded easily. If you don’t see it in the next month or so just remind me. 😉
Hi! This set is absolutely awesome! Could you send me the LDD-files, pleeeaaaase? 🙂
Jo, instructions sent! 😉
Wooow, that was really fast! Thanks! Can you give me a hint where to find the ornamental 1×4-plates and the golden studs on Bricklink? 🙂 I don’t know what to search for…
Jo, here they are:
Viking 1×4 plates: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=2431pb043
Golden studs: https://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=4073&colorID=21
The gold ones are very rare, so I recommend you also check for the brass ones. It is a very similiar color, much more common, and will work just fine: https://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=4073&colorID=57
I might as well add the link for the little crowns too as you will need them: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=x250
That chess set is very cool! Do you mind giving me some instructions on LDD? Thanks! 😀
Colin, LDD instructions sent! 😉
Thanks! I made it and it’s perfect!
Colin, great! That was fast! 😀
Well, actually I substituted some of the chess pieces because I didn’t have all of them. I’m currently trying to make another one, but I only have enough parts for one. I also tried looking for the chess set in your Bricklink store and I can’t find it. Can you send me a link to buy another chess set if you still sell it and a list of the parts so I can buy the remaining parts for my first one, please? Thank you very much! 😀
Colin, I no longer sell the chess sets. It was just too much work to put together and I no longer have the time. However you can use the instructions to find the parts you need. If you have any questions of where to find a part on BrickLink let me know, but it is pretty easy. 😉
Thanks, I just need to find the ball part on the pawns and the king’s crown. Can you help me find those? Thanks! 😉
Colin, the pawn’s head I’m using is the towball of this part: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=2508
Or you can also use this as they are the same: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3731
Just snap off the head with as much stem as you can get with a hobby knife or wire-cutters.
If you don’t want to cut your LEGO, you can just use these: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=4073
The crowns are here: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=x250
Thanks for all your help!
You are welcome, Colin! 😉
Can you send me the directions to build the lego set? I’d like to get all the pieces from bricklink and let my son build it.
thanks,
Cherie
Cherie, instructions sent! If you have any questions just let me know. 😉
Hi, this chess set is awesome! Would you be able to send me the LDD files please?
Thanks 🙂
Harry, I’m sending them in a minute. 😉
Can I please have the instuctions?
Sure! 😉
I visited your store and couldn’t locate the chess set… are you still making the chess set? Cos I would love to get one. =D =D =D Any help would be great! Thanks!
Alvin, yeah, sorry about that. I no longer make them. It was quite a bit of work to source ouf the parts, put them together, etc. I just don’t have the time right now to continue doing that. I do have the LDD files though if you want to build your own, so if you want them just let me know. 😉
If it’s not too much to ask, yes please! Thank you so much!
My son loves legos and is just starting to learn how to play chess…do you think you could send me instructions on how to build these awesome sets and a list of items needed to do it? I want to make him one for xmas. Thanks!!
Sure, I will email them to you today. 😉
Thank you so much! My son is going to be thrilled…
Hi nice work.
This and the taj-Mahal
They are prety.
Cand u send me the two LDD’s files
Thanks
Alexander
Alexander, I can send you the LDD files for the chess-set, but I’m afraid not for the Taj. I was playing around in LDD when I was designing it, but they are not finished LDD files. Does that work? 😕
of course, i try to do on my own
thanks
Alexander
All right, I will email the files to you in just a minute. If you run into any questions or problems feel free to ask. 😉
Wow, this is just too cute. I’d love to build one so my friends and I can play it, do you think you could send me the instructions too? Please and thank you. 😀
Maximillian, I just emailed you the instructions. Any questions just let me know. Happy building! 🙂
Hi. I was just wondering if you had sent the ldd for the set and pieces yet. Thanks
Christopher.
Christoper, not yet. I did make a note to myself though. So sorry about the delay, I just have been really busy since I got back. I will do it as soon as I can. The sticky is right here on my computer. 😉
ok, sorry for bothering you thanks. ^_^
Christopher.
Christopher, instructions sent! 😉
Thanks 🙂
hey umm…….. can you send me the instructions? i love chess so can you? well this is actually the best lego chess set ive ever seen anyway so please send. bye!
Legofroggy, instructions sent! 😉
I like chess. Chess is awesome. I used to be in a chess club once. It was pretty cool.
hi, I am both a lego fan and a chess fan, it would make my week if you could email me the instructions please.
thanks,
christopher
Christopher, sure I can send them. Just give me a couple of days as I have been out of town and just trying to catch up with stuff. 🙂
This is awesome! Thinking of getting the parts so my son can make:).
Could you please send me instructions.
Thanks!
Tam
Tam, I will send the chess set instruction to you soon. 😉
Tam, instructions sent! 😉
oh my goodness, that’s so neat. I’m going to save this link and if my little lego and chess nut is still keen on both when his birthday rolls around I’ll be ordering one!
Hi there! Lovely design! I’d love to get the instructions for my son to build a set of his own. Thanks so much for sharing!
Jen, instructions sent! 😉
This is amazing!!! Could you email me the instructions I’m Playing chess as I type with my father and we want to make a few of these, Thanks
Bane, instructions sent! 😉
My son loves your mini lego chess set. Can you please send me the instructions so we can try to build it together?
Thank you-
Jason, I just sent you the instructions a few minutes ago. Enjoy! 😉
Jason, my emails came back as nondeliverable. I sent them to the email address you registered with here, but that email address doesn’t appear to work. 😕
Wow, I would LOVE a copy of the instructions! Thanks!
Very nice set. Would it be possible to email me the instructions LDD file?
Thanks
Sent! 😉
Hey your chess board is so cute! Could you email me the instructions?
Thanks!
Hi,
This is a great set… I’d love to get the link to the LDD if I could. Tried to find these for sale in your bricklink store, but wasn’t able to find them. Are you still making them?
Paul, I’m out of town at the moment, but if you remind me next week I can send you the LDD. I stopped selling complete kits as it was so labor-intensive to source out parts, print out instructions etc. Just don’t have the time any more. But I’m happy to send over the LDD when I get back. 🙂
That’s great. I’ll look forward to receiving that from you. Do you source the parts completely from BrickLink, or do you have other resources?
Paul, yes, I get all the parts from Bricklink. I’m sending you the LDD files right now. Any other questions just let me know. 🙂
I love this Idea. It’s awesome and I would appreciate it if you could send me the instructions when you have the time. Thanks.
Richard, I’m sending the instructions right now. 🙂
Hey can you send the instructions because I would love to build one. Thanks.
Okay, just a sec… sending now…
Wow! I’d love to build this with my 6year old! Would you be kind enough to send directions? Many, many thanks…..
I love this chess set!
Josh, thanks! 🙂
I love this design! Can you send me the instructions so I can build one too?
Thanks,
Phillip
Instructions sent right now! 🙂
Humbly requestig instructions sir. Thaks!
Sent! 😉
Could you please send instructions? I am very interested in building this!
Thanks!
-L
Sent! 😉
I search through Google and found this chess set. It looks so cool! Good jo from you 🙂
could you please send the ldd’s instruction to me? Thanks 😀
Could you add me to your list of fans and share your instructions with me? Thanks in advance.
cheers,
Jim
Give me just a little bit. I should be sending the files in about 30 minutes. 😉
Wow!! This is awesome, I need it!
Can you send me the instructions please =D
I love the simplicity! I would love to have the instructions so i can make one! 🙂
Yes, surely. Just give me until tomorrow. I just got home after a day at the beach. 🙂
This is the coolest mini-chess set I have ever seen!! Great job. Would love to have the instructions to build one for my daughter.
Ashish I will send them today. 😉
Hoping you will get some time this weekend to send the instructions… 🙂
Ashish, sorry about that. I have been really busy lately. I will send it right now. 😉
Okay, sent! 🙂
My son and I are LEGO fans and starting to learn to play chess.
Can we have the instruction of your cool LEGO mini chess set, please? In advance, thank you.
Okay, I will try to send it later today. If you don’t hear from me in a couple of days, don’t be shy to remind me. I get hundreds of emails a day, so sometimes I may forget to respond to one. 😉
Could I also get the instructions please? Really nice design!
Sending right now. 😉
Hello, I wanted to ask if you could forward me the instruction for the incredible cool Lego mini chess set you made. That would be awesome! thank you very much in advance!
I have a young relative who I think would like the mini chess set. I clicked on the Sunshine State Brink link to see about buying it, couldn’t find it anywhere. Are you still selling it? If so where can I find buying info?
Meanwhile I would also like to see the building instructions.
Thanks!
Flummery, I no longer sell them, but it is a very simple design. I will be sending you the building instructions in a minute. If you have any further questions just let me know.
What are the instructions? Please let me know, I’d really like to build one for my daughter and I 🙂
I really like the instructions on how to build my own copy of your mini chess set they are really cool. I do hope to hear from you soon on this. Thanks so much.
Worlddog, are you asking for the instructions? I just wanted to make sure I understand you right. 😉
Yes I am asking for the instructions a d thanks for getting back to me on this.
Yes I was asking for the instructions for the chess set. Thanks
Hello, I love this set, could you forward me the instructions please?
Could we please have the instructions. Very nice set indeed
Nice Chess Set! I will be very pleased to have the instructions to build one. And, of course, will be honored to buy the parts from your store!
Thanks in advance!
Joan
What a sleek design. After scouring your shopping site and coming back, I realized you no longer sell these. May I also inquire about receiving a copy of the instructions? Thank you.
Sorry for the question mark. It is a sleek design 🙂
Fixed it for ya. I will try to send out the instructions to everyone who has been waiting this weekend. And my plan is to also develop a downloadable PDF at some point with the instructions so you guys don’t have to keep asking. 😉
Thanks for the fix. Look forward to hearing from you!
Josh, just sent them to you (expect two emails), and also for everyone else who recently requested it. If I missed someone please speak up. 😉
Got the instructions. Thanks so much!
Josh, you are welcome. 😉
Could I possibly receive a copy of these instructions? This looks to be a great mini chess set. Thank You.
Could I please have the instructions to make my friend one?
Thanks 😀
Could I please have a copy of the instructions as well please?
I love you site it so creative and helpful. You also told me have to use the Lego brick separator. Thanks and good work. 🙂
Hey Admin and other people,
I was just wondering.I’m running low on special Lego pieces (like tiles, studs eg.) do you know where to get some?
Kayla, if you have a LEGO store near you, you can pick up LEGO elements by the piece. There is also an online version on LEGO’s website: Online Pick-A-Brick
And if you need elements that are no longer made, you can get them on BrickLink.com, which is the largest online LEGO marketplace with thousands of sellers from all over the world.
Kayla, I will send it this evening. Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
Hi,
could you please email me the tutorial, i love it! Thanks 🙂
I would also love to have instructions my son and I would have a blast building this awesome chess set
Hi
I’d love the instructions for the chess set if possible. Thanks
Al, I will try to send it over before the end of the week. I saved you email address. 🙂
Hello!
Can I have the instructions as well please? This set looks too awesome!
Many thanks!
My son and I would love to build this, it is perfect as a portable chess set. Please send me the instructions for the mini-chess set.
Clayton, all right, I will send it today…
can you send me these instructions thanks
My son is a huge lego fan and have since got into chess. Could you please send me the instructions to build a chess set for him. Thank you!
I’d love to make this for my husband and son to enjoy together. Could you send the instructions my way when you have a minute?
Thanks so much! Your design is so elegant.
Heather, instructions sent! 😉
I love the chess set although I don’t play the game myself. I would appreciate if you would email me the instructions to make it. Thank you in advance.
Sharon, I have a very busy day today, but I should be able to do it on the weekend. 🙂
Hello,
This is a fantastic little set, i was wondering if you could send me the build instructions please?
Many thanks!
Ruley, just give me a couple of days as I’m not at my main computer right now. If you don’t hear from me by the weekend, feel free to contact me again. 😉
If they are still available, can you please send me instructions for your mini chess set? Thanks!
This is awesome! I was looking for something just like this. I don’t want to bother you, but I would appreciate it so much if you could send me the instructions 🙂 . Thanks!
Sure, I will send it over later today. 🙂
I’d live to use this to build with my daughter for Christmas. May I please have you send the directions?
Blessings to you & thank you!
Deanna, I will send it over today. 😉
Hi, are you still sharing your instructions for the little set? I’d be honored and grateful to create one of those. Thanks!
Ashley, I will send it over to you later today. 🙂
Can you send me the instructions for the mini chess set?
I cannot find where to purchase one in your store.
Please advise.
Tiffany, I no longer sell them. I just don’t have the time. But you can certainly make a copy. It is a very easy construction anyone can do. 🙂
Please email me instructions on how to make the mini chess set. I’m hoping to give this for Christmas.
Thanks!
-Tiffany
Just emailed it a couple of minutes ago. Happy Holidays! 🙂
I just read you no longer sell these. I would love the instructions on how to build these myself.
Thanks!
-Tiffany
I’d appreciate if you could send me instructions to make the mini set also. Thank
Can you send me the instructions?
Sent! 😉
I didn’t get it
I sent it to your email address about 4 hours ago. It is in two emails. One is the chess pieces, the other is the steps for the chess-set. I was sending it at the same time to another person and she received it fine. Perhaps they got stuck in your spam-folder? 😕
I would love to get a set of instructions for this.
Hello – awesome set! Could I please get the directions for this set?
Thanks!
Hello!
… like previous posters said – awesome set! Could you, please, send me instructions?
Thank you!
I’m not at my main computer right now where the files are, but I will email them when I get back home. 🙂
I would also love to get the instructions for your mini chess set.
It looks so cool!
Thanks for a very cool article. I also would like to request the instructions for this set. Thanks so much.
I would love instructions to build your chess set!
Excellent job! Could you also send me the instructions / parts list? Thanks.
I love this! Is there any way I can get some instructions as well please?!
PS: Looks like you’ve got something popular here, you should find a way to sell!
I used to sell them. But it was so much work sourcing out the parts, printing out instructions, packaging, shipping… and there is really no profit in it, so while I like to help other LEGO fans, other priorities took up my time. At some point I’m planning to put together instructions that can be downloaded as a PDF and maybe ask for a nominal fee, but I just haven’t had the time. It’s on my to-do list though. 😉
Is there a chance you may be willing to pass on the instructions you have so I can build one?
Hi, could I get a set of those instructions as well. Thanks!
Hi admin,
Please would you sell/send me a set of instructions for your fabulous Mini Lego Chess Set?
Our 4 year old grandson adores our Lego Knights’ Kingdom chess set and it inspired him to learn how to play. I know he’d love to build the mini set . . . and so would I!
wooo! this is just awesome!! can you please e-mail me your instructions. many many so thanks
Can you email me a copy of the instructions for the mini chess set please? I would love to make one 🙂 Thanks
I love this! Can I get copy of the LDD as well?
You should consider submitting this to Pleyworld.com… if I’m not mistaken, if it reaches 5000 votes they make it available to anyone interested.
Thanks, Bobbi. I’m hoping to put together a downloadable PDF of the LDD version, I just haven’t had time to do it yet.
Hey could u please send me instructions and needed pieces I would love to build one
Any chance i could get a copy of the instructions?
Thanks a bundle
Hay there brick bloggers,
great mini chess set would really luv to give this a go 🙂 I would be so great-full if you could send me the instructions.
I always check in once a month for your new releases etc. Great site & great work,
Thanks Steve
Hi,
Could I please get the instructions on how to build the mini chess set?
Thank you very much.
Calvin, instructions sent. 😉
Hiya,
Would you please send me the instructions for the mini chess set as well? It’s very clever!
Thanks!
My son would LOVE the parts list and instructions for this! He loves Legos AND chess!
Thank you for sharing
Please email the instructions to me too