Managers participating in Fantasy Premier League can enhance their points total by strategically utilizing their chips. Each manager has access to four chips during the first half of the season: Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Bench Boost. These chips are refreshed in Gameweek 20, allowing for their use until the season concludes. Typically, experienced managers reserve their chips for the latter part of the season to leverage changes in the Premier League schedule, as domestic cup competitions can create Blank or Double Gameweeks.
To clarify, a Blank Gameweek occurs when at least two Premier League teams do not have a match scheduled, resulting in zero points for players from those teams. Conversely, a Double Gameweek arises when a team has two matches, providing managers with additional opportunities to earn points. Blank Gameweeks usually happen due to postponed matches, often caused by scheduling conflicts with domestic cup events.
Wildcard
Using a Wildcard allows managers to make unlimited free transfers, including previously made ones. Once activated, it cannot be undone, and any banked transfers are retained. This chip is ideal for when a squad requires significant changes, whether due to injuries, poor performance, or to target specific fixtures. It is advisable to play the Wildcard with a long-term strategy in mind, possibly in anticipation of a Bench Boost in a forthcoming Double Gameweek. Gameweek 32 is anticipated to be a prime time for using the Wildcard, ideally after the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Free Hit
The Free Hit chip allows for unlimited free transfers for just one Gameweek, reverting the squad back to its previous state after that week. This chip is particularly useful during a Blank Gameweek, such as the anticipated challenging Gameweek 34, where several matches may be postponed. It enables managers to temporarily adjust their lineup without impacting their long-term strategy. Alternatively, it can be employed during a Double Gameweek to maximize points from players participating in two matches.
Bench Boost
With the Bench Boost chip, points scored by bench players are added to the total. This chip can be activated when saving the team lineup and can be canceled before the Gameweek deadline. It is most effective when all players have favorable matchups, especially in a Double Gameweek, where having 15 players with two fixtures can lead to substantial point accumulation. Gameweek 33 is expected to be a significant Double Gameweek to utilize the Bench Boost.
Triple Captain
The Triple Captain chip allows a manager's captain points to be tripled instead of the usual double. This chip can also be activated when saving the team lineup and can be canceled before the Gameweek deadline. Utilizing this chip during a Double Gameweek on top players, such as Erling Haaland, can yield significant points. For instance, last season, Mohamed Salah achieved an impressive score during a Double Gameweek, highlighting the potential rewards of this strategy.