There are two different animals for side counting- single/double deck, and shoe games. For the former, find an easy way to keep track of a number 1-8 (pressure on toes?).

For the latter, check out the thread I started below, which has a lot of info. A note that I use Halves for blackjack shoe games (which is quite powerful without an ace side-count), but for a blackjack variant, I determined that a side count of aces was worthwhile. Ultimately, when playing this variant, I use letters for the side count, and numbers for the main count. Moreover, I start my number count at '20', so that I never have to remember a negative number. I know if the main count in my head is '6', that means a running count of -14. I do the same with letters, starting at 'J'. I already know that 8L is a playing (running) count of -12, but a betting (combined, prior to TC conversion) count of -10.

https://www.blackjacktheforum.com/sh...-in-shoe-games