When is the best time to use the free hit chip in FPL? The Free Hit chip in Fantasy Premier League, if used strategically, can significantly impact a player’s overall ranking. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on when to use the Free Hit chip in FPL to maximize its benefits.
This article is a part of our series: What is Free Hit in FPL and how does it work?
Best time to use Free Hit in FPL 2024/25
Blank Gameweek 29
- there will be a small blank gameweek in GW29 due to the collision of FPL fixtures and Carabao Cup Final
- potentially up to 4 teams will miss this gameeweek
Double Gameweek 33
- During likely double gameweek 33
- this will be a potential strategy for managers who will use their second wildcard very early (around GW20) and will have difficulties to navigate busy blank/double gameweek schedules without wildcard
Blank Gameweek 34
- likely the biggest blank gameweek of the season
- due to the collision with FA Cup Semi Final
- up to 8 teams might blank
Double Gameweek 36
- likely double gameweek
- using wildcard this late in the season would minimize the impact of a wildcard, so using a free hit there could be a good alternative
Gameweek 38
- If you will prefer to use other chips (bench boost, triple captain, mystery chip) during the double gameweek, and only few teams would miss blank gameweek, you could use the free hit in GW38, which is usually a high-scoring one, allowing you to bring in players from fixtures where you will expect a big score.
See the fixtures in a bigger perspective in our FPL calendar.
When to Use the Free Hit Chip in FPL
The timing of using the Free Hit chip can make a significant difference in your FPL performance. Here are some scenarios where the Free Hit chip can be particularly useful:
1. During Blank Gameweek
A blank gameweek is a round where certain teams don’t have a match due to scheduling conflicts, typically caused by domestic cup competitions. This means that players from these teams won’t earn any points for that particular gameweek.
Using the Free Hit chip during a blank gameweek can be a strategic move for several reasons:
- Maximizing Player Participation: The most obvious reason is to ensure that you have a full team of players who are actually playing in that gameweek. If several of your players’ teams aren’t playing, using the Free Hit chip allows you to temporarily replace them with players who are, thus maximizing your potential to score points.
- Avoiding Point Deductions: Normally, you’d have to use transfers to replace players who aren’t playing, and if you don’t have any free transfers left, this would result in a points deduction. The Free Hit chip allows you to avoid this by giving you unlimited free transfers for a single gameweek.
- Preserving Team Structure: If you have a team structure you’re happy with for the long term, using the Free Hit chip in a blank gameweek allows you to navigate the blank gameweek without making permanent changes to your team. Once the gameweek is over, your team reverts back to its original state.
- Capitalizing on Differential Picks: Blank gameweeks can often throw up unexpected heroes, with less popular players from less fancied teams stepping up to the plate. Using the Free Hit chip allows you to bring in these differential picks for one week without affecting your long-term team structure.
- Saving Wildcard: If you still have your Wildcard chip, using the Free Hit in a blank gameweek can help you save the Wildcard for when you want to make more permanent changes to your team.
Remember, the key to using the Free Hit chip effectively is planning. Keep an eye on the fixture schedule and try to anticipate when blank gameweeks might occur so you can use your Free Hit chip to its maximum potential.
2. During Double Gameweek
A double gameweek is a round where certain teams have more than one match due to rescheduled fixtures. This means that players from these teams have the opportunity to earn points from two matches in a single gameweek.
As with blank gameweeks, the key to using the Free Hit chip effectively in double gameweeks is planning. Keep an eye on the fixture schedule and try to anticipate when double gameweeks might occur so you can use your Free Hit chip to its maximum potential.
Double gameweeks and blank gameweeks usually happen in the second half of the season, so try to save your free hit chip for the second half of the season.
3. When you need to revert big points hit
If you accidentally took something like a -48 points hit, you could revert in by playing your wildcard or free hit chip. It is far from ideal, as this will limit your ability to adapt to the schedule of blanks or double gameweek, but if you accidentally took a big hit these are the only solution to revert it.
Common Mistakes When Using Free Hit
As with any strategic element of FPL, there are common mistakes and misconceptions associated with the use of the Free Hit chip. Understanding these can help you avoid pitfalls and use the chip more effectively.
- Misusing the Free Hit Chip: One common mistake is using the Free Hit chip too early in the season or during a Gameweek with no significant advantage. The chip is most effective during blank or double Gameweeks, or when your team is significantly impacted by injuries or suspensions.
- Overestimating the Impact: While the Free Hit chip can be a game-changer, it’s important not to overestimate its impact. It’s just one part of your overall strategy and should be used in conjunction with other tactics.
- Misunderstanding the Functionality: Some players misunderstand the functionality of the Free Hit chip, believing it to be a permanent solution like the Wildcard. Remember, the changes made with the Free Hit chip are temporary and only apply to one Gameweek. Read more: Wildcard vs. Free Hit
Conclusion
The Free Hit chip is a powerful tool in FPL, offering the potential for significant points returns when used strategically. It’s particularly effective during blank or double Gameweeks. However, it’s important to remember that the Free Hit chip is just one part of your overall FPL strategy. It should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other tactics to maximize your points haul.
