Double weighted? Triple weighted?

Are you as confused as I am when it comes to deciphering what vendors actually mean when they label their sets as 'double' or 'triple' weighted?

Since the industry has no adopted standard for set "weighting," I propose that we start our own here.

Before establishing any type of scale, one must begin with a starting point. In this case, an unweighted set. I remembered that the unweighted pieces of the popular Noj Dubrovnik chess set weigh in at about 20 grams each (or less than an ounce), which means a single weighted set would have a king (the heaviest piece) that would probably weigh MORE than one ounce.

So here's my idea, the scale would be based on the weight of the king.

SINGLE WEIGHTING: Between 1 - 2 oz.

DOUBLE WEIGHTING: Between 2 - 3 oz.

TRIPLE WEIGHTING: Between 3 -4 oz.

QUADUPLE WEIGHTING: Between 4 -5 oz.

And so on.

Please chime in, your thoughts and comments are welcomed and appreciated.

(Call me lazy, call me crazy, just don't call me late for dinner!)

This topic is too heavy for me.

I'm all for solid cast iron pieces. You get a good game and a good workout--aerobic in speed chess.

BTW, I'm just curious, loubalch. You have been a member since the end of 2013, yet you have never played a single game of any kind. Why is that?

Some accounts on here just use the site for the forums and light study while playing all of their games either OTB or on ICC, FICS, etc. 

Still, I agree...it's a tad strange that he hasn't played one game here.

Lightweight!

Are you serious? Double's fall over constantly and just look...frail. 

3.75" king or greater, triple weighted or greater. 58+ ounces total is nice.

Just wait for a just weight.

I began playing online chess in the mid 90s when I was living on the East (right) Coast. I soon got fed up with all the BS, people who would disappear at the first sign of losing, etc.

I'm semi-retired, with time on my hands, and have the opportunity of playing over the board 2-3 times a week (or more) between weekly chess club meetings and casual games at the local coffee shops. I much prefer playing over the board. Plus, I get to use and share my growing collection of fine chess sets!

Thanks for asking.

Better start eating your Wheaties!

?? I just posted above you that I like triple the best. In The States, nobody really uses anything else unless they're using cheap equipment. 

He's right, those terms have no objective meaning.  Any weighted piece can be claimed "triple weighted."  Why not?  

Single - Kinda heavy

Double - Really Heavy

Triple - Really, really heavy

Quadruple - Warps spacetime.

Quintuple - Black Hole

It all depends on the size of the set. I agree, a set with a 2.5" king weighing in at 60+ oz. would be a bit cumbersome. But for the larger sets with 4-5" kings, I think triple or even quad weighting would not be out of line. Again, there is no 'right' or 'wrong' here, as it all goes back to personal preference.

Personally, I have several 4.25" - 4.5" sets with kings weighing in at more than 4 ounces (quad weighing), with a total set weight over 70 ounces, which feels just about right for pieces of this size.

SEXtuple Weighting - Get a crane!

One of my first sets when I got back into playing was advertised as a Quadruple weighted set. Nicely weighted but after dropping a few and having some pawn heads pop off I had to get a different set (while I devise a good way to put those heads back and make them stay).

My newer set was advertised as triple weighted. I can feel the difference in the way it plays but is still a good weight.

I also have some single weighted sets that are good. I prefer at least a little weight but would the first set has been my favorite so far.

Aussie,

Doesn't the blood rush to your head living upside down in the southern hemisphere? And which way does the water spin when you flush the loo?

One of favorite 3.75" sets is the HOS Dubrovnik set that weighs in at 65 ounces!

HOS sets are just pure quality and absolutely gorgeous. 65 ounces is something I'd be really comfortable with. 

LOL.

I would add a fifth, "bodybuilder set".

Yeah, we could call it the "Hans and Franz we want to BUILD YOU UP!" chess set. Develop muscles where you never knew you had them.