ISL Fantasy: What are point boosters and when to use them
The ISL Fantasy game includes four key point boosters — Bench Boost, Triple Captain, Free Hit, and Wildcard — that can help managers significantly increase their points.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is edging closer, and with it, the ISL Fantasy game will make a return. This season, while the format and rules remain the same as last year, the game has introduced the ability to save up to three transfers and a revised points scoring system, adding a new layer of excitement.
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Managers will have plenty of chances to rack up points throughout the season, but they must use their point boosters wisely to make the most impact. Point boosters can temporarily enhance fantasy teams and help managers climb the rankings. The game features four key point boosters: the Bench Boost, the Triple Captain, the Free Hit, and the Wildcard. Notably, there are two Wildcards available — one for the first half of the season and another for the second half.
Here’s a detailed look at each point booster and tips for maximising their effectiveness.
Bench Boost
The Bench Boost enables you to earn points from not just your starting 11 players but also your four benched players for one Matchweek. To make the most of this chip, it's ideal to use it when you're confident that all your players will start their matches and have favourable fixtures. The optimal moment to deploy the Bench Boost is when teams have two fixtures in a single Matchweek, as this can significantly increase your chances of accumulating more points.
Triple Captain chip
The Triple Captain chip multiplies the points earned by your chosen captain by three for a single Matchweek, rather than the usual double. Like the Bench Boost, using this chip on a player with two fixtures in a Matchweek can maximise your point haul, as they have the chance to score points in both matches. Alternatively, if you’re confident in a player who is in excellent form and playing a home fixture, captaining them could also be a smart move.
Free Hit
The Free Hit booster allows managers to make unlimited transfers for a single Matchweek. However, unlike the Wildcard, your team will revert to its original state after the Matchweek ends. This chip is especially useful when you face a Matchweek where several teams have no fixtures, making it difficult to field a strong eleven.
Additionally, it can be valuable if your squad is impacted by injuries or suspensions. Therefore, it's wise to save the Free Hit and use it strategically, ensuring you’re in a position to optimise its benefits when needed most.
Wildcard
The Wildcard chip gives ISL Fantasy managers the ability to make unlimited transfers within their budget twice throughout the season. This chip is particularly useful when you need a major overhaul of your squad, such as when dealing with multiple injuries, suspensions, or players who aren’t getting game time.
A strategic approach is to use your Wildcard in the Matchweek before playing your Bench Boost. This way, you can optimise the performance of all 15 players and avoid point deductions while setting up a robust Bench Boost squad.
Often, managers choose to use their first Wildcard early in the season to add players who have shown great form in the early Matchweeks. However, it’s important to use this chip with a long-term perspective to maximise its effectiveness.