POP MART THE Monsters Labubu Let's Checkmate Series-Vinyl Pl

The Verdict

Let’s be direct about the Labubu phenomenon: you either get the hype or you don’t. But POP MART’s Let’s Checkmate Series isn’t just another cute vinyl figure. It’s a chess-themed collection that turns The Monsters’ signature mischievous grin into something genuinely clever. And with 235 Amazon ratings averaging 4.7 stars, collectors are clearly responding.

What you actually get

The blind box arrives sealed — no peeking. Inside is one randomly selected vinyl plush hanging figure from 12 standard designs plus one secret rare variant. Each character is styled as a chess piece: think a Labubu queen with a tiny crown, a knight with a miniature horse companion, a rook with castle detailing. The plush material is soft to the touch but not flimsy — there’s a vinyl core that gives it structure, plus a hanging loop on top for bags or keychains.

Build quality and real-world use

For a collectible in this price tier, the construction holds up. The stitching on the plush exterior is clean, and the vinyl elements — the chess piece accessories, the facial features — are painted with precision. One Amazon reviewer noted, “The details are insane for the size. The little chess pieces they hold actually have painted details, not just blobs.” That tracks with what I’ve seen across the series.

That said, these are display pieces first, toys second. The hanging loop works fine on a backpack, but this isn’t something you’d roughhouse with. The plush surface will pick up lint and dust if you actually carry it around regularly.

Where it falls short

The blind box mechanic is the obvious frustration point. At this price per box, chasing a specific piece — especially the secret rare — gets expensive fast. One verified purchase summed it up: “Got three boxes, got two duplicates. Cute but annoying if you’re trying to complete a set.” There’s no way to feel the box or identify contents before opening, so you’re committing to luck.

Size is the other consideration. At roughly 4-5 inches tall, these feel more compact than the photos suggest. They’re not tiny — they read clearly as a hanging plush — but if you’re expecting something you can prominently display on a shelf, you might want the larger Labubu figures instead.

Who should buy this

• Labubu completists who already collect The Monsters line and want the chess-themed variants
• Blind box enthusiasts who enjoy the unboxing ritual and don’t mind duplicates
• Gift givers looking for a quirky, affordable collectible — the chess theme gives it broader appeal than generic cute figures
• Bag charm users who want a soft, huggable accessory that’s actually durable enough to hang

Skip it if you’re a completionist with limited patience for repeats, or if you need a specific piece for a gift — buy from a reseller or trade group instead of gambling on blind boxes.

FAQ

Q: Is this a full chess set? A: No. Each blind box contains one random figure, not a complete set. There are 12 standard designs plus a secret rare. You’d need to purchase multiple boxes to collect them all.

Q: How big is the plush? A: Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) tall. It’s designed as a hanging plush, not a large display figure.

Q: Can you tell which figure is inside before opening? A: No. The box is sealed and opaque. There’s no weight difference or clue to identify the contents.

The Verdict

Buy it if you love blind box collecting and appreciate the creative chess theme — the design quality justifies the price for what you get.

Skip it if you need a specific figure, hate duplicates, or want a larger display piece.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The execution is excellent, the theme is fresh, and the quality is consistent. The blind box lottery and compact size keep it from being perfect, but for what it is — a well-crafted collectible with real charm — it delivers.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.