2026/27 strategy
FPL Chip Strategy for 2026/27: Wildcard, Free Hit, Bench Boost and Triple Captain
How the two sets of chips work in 2026/27 and a practical framework for deciding when each chip solves a real squad problem.
The 2026/27 chip structure
For 2026/27, managers again receive two sets of the four standard chips: Wildcard, Free Hit, Bench Boost and Triple Captain. The first set is for the first half of the season and the second refreshes for the second half. Only one chip can be active in a Gameweek.
This matters because “save every chip for the end” is no longer a valid default for the first set. A chip that expires unused has produced zero value.
Wildcard: solve structure, not one fixture
A Wildcard makes unlimited permanent transfers. It is strongest when your squad needs several coordinated changes: injuries, lost starters, a fixture swing, poor price structure or a new understanding of which players are genuinely first choice.
Avoid using it only to chase last week’s points. Build for a multi-Gameweek window and preserve routes to future captaincy and transfers.
Free Hit: temporary repair
The Free Hit gives unlimited transfers for one Gameweek before your previous squad returns. It is naturally suited to unusual fixture weeks, especially when your existing team would otherwise have too few attractive starters.
The key question is whether the temporary team is sufficiently better than what you could reach with free transfers. If not, keeping the chip may retain more option value.
Bench Boost: all 15 slots matter
Bench Boost adds the points from your substitutes to the Gameweek total. It becomes easier to justify when all 15 players have strong expected minutes. A common mistake is spending too much money on the bench for several weeks purely to prepare for the chip.
A good Bench Boost setup should still leave a sensible squad after the chip is gone.
Use chips to solve constraints
The best chip decision is usually the one that removes a constraint your normal transfers cannot efficiently solve. In the Planner, model the squad with and without the chip, then compare not only the immediate Gameweek but the team you are left with afterwards.
That keeps chip strategy connected to the rest of your season rather than turning it into a separate guessing game.
Sources and further reading
Rules and season-specific mechanics can change. For official wording, use the Premier League’s current Fantasy pages.