diff --git a/core/src/com/unciv/logic/civilization/PolicyManager.kt b/core/src/com/unciv/logic/civilization/PolicyManager.kt
index 0de678dd9a..f5f758f451 100644
--- a/core/src/com/unciv/logic/civilization/PolicyManager.kt
+++ b/core/src/com/unciv/logic/civilization/PolicyManager.kt
@@ -45,7 +45,10 @@ class PolicyManager {
         if(!branchCompletion) {
             if (freePolicies > 0) freePolicies--
             else  {
-                storedCulture -= getCultureNeededForNextPolicy()
+                val cultureNeededForNextPolicy = getCultureNeededForNextPolicy()
+                if(cultureNeededForNextPolicy > storedCulture)
+                    throw Exception("How is this possible??????")
+                storedCulture -= cultureNeededForNextPolicy
                 numberOfAdoptedPolicies++
             }
         }