I do a similar calculus when learning a new game. However, I break things down a little differently. 1) How to win. What gets counted to win, usually VPs. If

I do a similar calculus when learning a new game. However, I break things down a little differently. 1) How to win. What gets counted to win, usually VPs. If you understand that, and how to efficiently accrue them, then you're a few steps ahead. Then, how to end the game. Can you control how it ends? You use this in engine vs endgame, but I prefer breaking it out because not all games have two phases. Some simply generate VPs as you go (no compounding engine mechanic), and what you really care about is turn efficiency. 2) My other rule is compare to similar mechanics from other games. I have heavily studied other games, so spotting how a draft system works or engine-building and turn efficiency is easily recognizable and I can calculate sorta optimal moves. Similarly this gives you an easy framework to figure out how the specifics of this game compare to each other. 3) Table dynamics. Almost always you can get a huge edge just by knowing what you need to do NOW vs latter. This is mostly about efficiency. If you know player X is going to take Red next turn, then you can decide if denying them is worth it, or that means you're safe to take/ignore Blue. So sussing out what other players are doing, especially if they're cooperating, is especially helpful. To accomplish this, I actually try to turn the table dynamics to friendly and talkative. Usually in the guise of it's a friendly game and look at my sharing my insight/knowledge. So others freely share what they're thinking. Means discovering strategies in the game happens faster, but I also glean important tips from others.