HOW TO NAVIGATE BLANK AND DOUBLE GAMEWEEKS: STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING BGWS AND DGWS
Blank Gameweeks (BGWs) and Double Gameweeks (DGWs) are pivotal moments in Fantasy Premier League that can make or break your season. These are the weeks when the normal Premier League schedule is disrupted – either some teams don't play at all, or some teams play twice.
Managing BGWs and DGWs well requires planning and smart use of your squad and chips. In this guide, we'll explain what they are and provide strategies to help you navigate them effectively.
WHAT IS A BLANK GAMEWEEK (BGW)?
A Blank Gameweek occurs when there are fewer matches than the usual ten in a given Gameweek – at least one Premier League club doesn't have a fixture, meaning players from that club cannot score any points that week.
In your FPL team lineup, you can identify a blank because instead of a fixture under the player's name, you'll see a blank space or a dash.
WHY DO BLANKS HAPPEN?
| CAUSE | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|
| FA Cup semi-finals/finals | Teams involved have league matches postponed |
| EFL Cup finals | Participating teams miss a league fixture |
| Weather postponements | Matches called off due to storms or unsafe conditions |
| European competitions | Club World Cup or rescheduled European fixtures |
WARNING
During a Blank Gameweek, if multiple players from your squad's key teams blank, you could end up with several empty slots – it's not unheard of to see 4, 5, or even more players all scoring zero.
WHAT IS A DOUBLE GAMEWEEK (DGW)?
A Double Gameweek is the opposite of a blank: it's a Gameweek with more than the standard ten fixtures, meaning one or more teams play twice within the same FPL week.
In your team view, these players will show two opponents for that Gameweek (for example, "(TOT, BUR)" indicating two matches). If a player plays twice, they accumulate points from both games.
WHY DO DOUBLES HAPPEN?
Double Gameweeks usually occur when postponed fixtures are rescheduled into an already-full week. They're essentially a catch-up mechanism – teams "catch up" on missed games by playing two in one go.
Most DGWs happen toward the end of the season as postponed games are made up, though they can occasionally occur earlier.
PRO TIP
FPL managers love Double Gameweeks because they offer a chance to double-dip on points. Many experienced players strategize weeks in advance to prepare for an upcoming DGW.
BEGINNER STRATEGIES FOR BLANK & DOUBLE GAMEWEEKS
If you're newer to FPL or facing your first Blank/Double, here are basic strategies to manage these weeks:
1. PLAN YOUR FREE TRANSFERS AROUND BLANKS AND DOUBLES
As soon as you know a Blank Gameweek is coming, start adjusting your squad:
- Use the weeks leading up to a BGW to transfer in players who will have a fixture
- For Double Gameweeks, gradually bring in players from teams that will play twice
- Roll a transfer the week before if possible, so you have 2 free transfers available
2. DON'T PANIC AND TAKE UNNECESSARY HITS
It's tempting to take multiple -4 point hits just to field a full 11, but this can backfire:
| SCENARIO | RECOMMENDATION |
|---|---|
| 8-9 players with fixtures | Accept playing short rather than taking big hits |
| 5+ players blanking | Consider using a chip (Free Hit or Wildcard) |
| Double Gameweek | Hits more justifiable (2 games = 4 pts minimum) |
NOTE
Often, it's acceptable to play with 9 or 10 players rather than wreck your team for the long term. A -8 hit to bring in two players who only get appearance points nets zero gain.
3. TARGET KEY PLAYERS FOR DOUBLE GAMEWEEKS
In a DGW, a few carefully chosen star players can make a big difference:
- Look for in-form players on teams with two favourable fixtures
- Avoid ripping apart a well-balanced squad for mediocre double-gameweek players
- Remember: a good player with one game can outscore a poor player with two games
4. ENSURE YOU HAVE A PLAYING BENCH
Squad depth is crucial during blank weeks:
- Have at least 2-3 cheap bench players who are regular starters for their clubs
- If your star forward blanks, a bench forward with a game will auto-sub in
- A playing bench also helps in doubles when rotation occurs
5. CONSIDER USING FREE HIT IN A TOUGH BLANK
If your team is severely affected by a BGW (6-7 players out), the Free Hit chip is often the simplest fix:
- Create a one-week squad of players who are actually playing
- Your original team returns the next week
- Saves you from multiple hits and long-term squad damage
INTERMEDIATE STRATEGIES FOR BLANK & DOUBLE GAMEWEEKS
For those looking to maximise their gains, here are more advanced tactics:
PLAN YOUR CHIP USAGE AROUND THE CALENDAR
Successful FPL managers map out when they'll use chips once the schedule becomes clearer:
| STRATEGY | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|
| Free Hit → Wildcard | Free Hit in big BGW, Wildcard after to set up for doubles |
| Dead-end → Wildcard | Use transfers to survive blank, Wildcard immediately after |
| Wildcard → Bench Boost | Wildcard to set up 15 doublers, Bench Boost in DGW |
PRO TIP
Having a framework like "Free Hit in BGW34, Wildcard in GW35, Bench Boost in DGW36" gives you a plan to work towards. Stay flexible and adjust as fixtures are confirmed.
MONITOR FIXTURES AND NEWS CLOSELY
Knowledge is power when it comes to BGWs/DGWs:
- Track domestic cup schedules (FA Cup, EFL Cup) and which teams are advancing
- Cup results dictate blank weeks – semifinals and finals cause postponements
- Use FPLWatch's Fixture Tracker to visualize the upcoming schedule
WARNING
Avoid bringing in players who are set to blank soon unless you have a plan for them. It's painful to transfer in a player only to realize they have no fixture the next week.
BALANCE RISK VS REWARD WITH DOUBLE GAMEWEEK PLAYERS
There's a phenomenon of "DGW fever" where people load up on any player with two matches. A smarter approach:
| FACTOR | WHAT TO PRIORITIZE |
|---|---|
| Minutes certainty | Players nailed in starting XI for both games |
| Fixture quality | Two home games > two away games |
| Form | In-form players over out-of-form doublers |
| Rotation risk | Avoid players who might be rested for one game |
Don't drop your high-performing single-gameweek players just for an extra match. A Salah or Haaland with one game can outscore a lesser player with two.
THE DEAD-END STRATEGY
Sometimes blanks and doubles come in quick succession. The "dead-end" strategy works like this:
- Use free transfers to set your team up for a specific blank week
- Accept that your squad might look suboptimal immediately after
- Wildcard out of it to load up for the upcoming doubles
This approach maximizes both the blank AND the double that follows, without wasting transfers on players you don't want long-term.
USING CHIPS IN BLANK AND DOUBLE GAMEWEEKS
The four main chips are extremely useful for solving BGW problems and capitalizing on DGW opportunities:
FREE HIT
Best for: Major Blank Gameweeks
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Field a full XI when your team is decimated | One-time use per season |
| Squad reverts afterward – no long-term damage | Can't combine with other chips |
| Perfect for weeks with 4-6 teams blanking | Wasted if blank isn't severe |
PRO TIP
When Free Hitting in a blank, target the best players from the limited teams available. Check that those teams still have something to play for – towards season's end, mid-table teams might rotate youngsters.
WILDCARD
Best for: Setting up for Double Gameweeks or recovering after Blanks
Two main approaches:
- Before a Double Gameweek – Overhaul your squad to load up on players who will have double fixtures
- After a Blank Gameweek – Recover from a blank and set up for the next phase
NOTE
Many experienced managers use the Wildcard to ensure their team is "full of players with the potential to score double points" in the DGW.
BENCH BOOST
Best for: Large Double Gameweeks
The consensus is to use Bench Boost in a DGW when you can have 15 players all playing (or even better, all doubling):
| IDEAL SETUP | HOW TO ACHIEVE |
|---|---|
| 15 players with fixtures | Wildcard the week before to set up |
| Bench players with doubles | Target cheap players from doubling teams |
| Reliable starters | Avoid rotation-prone bench options |
PRO TIP
The "Wildcard in GWX, Bench Boost in GWX+1" combo around a big double is a proven strategy. Even your £4.5m defenders and backup keeper might get two games.
TRIPLE CAPTAIN
Best for: Premium player in a Double Gameweek
| IDEAL CONDITIONS | WHY |
|---|---|
| Star player with two games | Double the opportunities to haul |
| Two favourable fixtures | Home games against weaker teams |
| Nailed starter | Must play both matches |
| Good form | Recent returns suggest more to come |
WARNING
Don't use Triple Captain just because it's a double – ensure the player is in form and likely to start both games. Be wary of cup fixtures or rotation risks.
PLANNING AHEAD: TRANSFERS, SQUAD DEPTH & TOOLS
The key to mastering Blank and Double Gameweeks is planning ahead:
TRACK THE SCHEDULE EARLY
Don't wait until the week-of to react:
- Note dates of cup rounds (FA Cup QFs, SFs) and European competitions
- Check FPL news after each cup round to see which Gameweeks will be affected
- Use FPLWatch's Fixture Tracker to visualize blanks and doubles
SAVE TRANSFERS AND MINIMIZE HITS
| WEEK BEFORE BGW/DGW | ACTION |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks out | Roll transfer if possible |
| 1 week out | Have 2 free transfers ready |
| Deadline | Make strategic moves, max 1 hit if needed |
MAINTAIN SQUAD DEPTH AND FLEXIBILITY
- Carry a full bench of starters if you can
- Keep £0.5-1.0m in the bank for flexibility
- Don't lock yourself out of moves – maintain upgrade paths
USE PLANNING TOOLS
| TOOL | HOW IT HELPS |
|---|---|
| Fixture Tracker | Visual layout of all upcoming fixtures, blanks, and doubles |
| Price Changes | Monitor rising players before they're priced out |
| Transfer Planner | Simulate future gameweeks and plan moves |
PRO TIP
Using an FPL planner is like having a calendar for your team – it helps you anticipate problems and opportunities well in advance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
| AREA | BEST PRACTICE |
|---|---|
| Planning | Identify blanks/doubles early, plan transfers in advance |
| Free Hit | Save for major blank weeks when your squad is decimated |
| Wildcard | Use to prepare for doubles or recover after blanks |
| Bench Boost | Deploy in large DGWs with 15 playing players |
| Triple Captain | Premium player with two favourable fixtures in a DGW |
| Hits | Minimize them; only take when upside justifies the cost |
| Squad Depth | Maintain playing bench to cover unexpected absences |
CONCLUSION
Blank and Double Gameweeks are challenging, but they also offer some of the most exciting and rewarding moments in FPL. The managers who plan ahead – tracking the schedule, positioning their chips, and maintaining squad flexibility – usually have a big advantage when chaos hits the schedule.
Remember:
- Always look ahead and anticipate fixture disruptions
- Utilize your chips wisely for maximum impact
- Maintain a balanced squad with depth
- Use tools like FPLWatch's Fixture Tracker to map out your moves
- Stay flexible and calm when plans need to change
With sound planning and a level head, you can turn these challenging weeks into opportunities to surge ahead of less-prepared rivals. Good luck, and may your planning pay off with big green arrows on the blank/double rollercoaster!
FPLWatch.com – providing live analytics, fixture tracking, and price change alerts to help you manage your FPL team like a pro.