I use the alphabet for side counts. There are other methods that I won't write on the open forum. They use different mathematical "languages" to keep side counts. Once learned it is actually easier than any other method. You can use visualization as well. You have to find what works easiest for you. Just use what makes it jam in your head. Don't worry about how others do it. There are no right or wrong ways to side count. I currently use two balanced counts and simply keep two RCs in my head.