Pocketwatch’s play limit
Pocketwatch checks whether you played three or fewer cards during the turn. Meeting that limit provides three extra cards at the start of the next turn. A fourth play can therefore trade away substantial future access, even if that card costs zero energy.
Compare the effect of the fourth card with the next turn’s need. A small extra attack may be less valuable than drawing an answer before a dangerous enemy turn. A fourth card that prevents lethal damage or finishes the encounter is worth more than a draw benefit the run would otherwise never reach.
Zero-cost card packages still count as card plays. A Shiv is inexpensive, but cheap energy cost does not mean it is invisible to a play-count condition. Inspect the counter before spending another small card purely because it is available.
Pocketwatch’s reward is at turn start, unlike the mid-turn draws prohibited by Fiddle. The Steam discussion of Fiddle specifically separates those timings. For the broader problem, distinguish wanting a larger next hand from needing an immediate answer in the current hand. The opening-hand guide explains why access and playable resources both matter.