Read the conversion
Identify how resources become actions, positions or points. A resource that appears plentiful may still be a bottleneck if several useful actions require it at the same moment.
Count actions as well as materials
A plan can be affordable in tokens but too slow in turns. Check whether gathering, converting and using a resource each require a separate action.
Check prerequisites
Some actions need a technology, position or earlier decision. Paying the material cost alone does not make the action available. The plan comparator makes this visible with its insight requirement.
Decide the horizon
A saved resource may support a later option, but only if a later opportunity exists. Read the ending condition and any final conversion rules before assuming that leftover resources have value.
Compare complete plans
Trace the state after each action. This catches a common mistake: spending a resource in a later step that the earlier step has already used.