Uston APC is NOT recommended.
It is too difficult as it is a level 3 count and is not superior to what I mention below.
If you want to play a Single Deck game, first be sure that you are getting 3 to 2 payoffs on your blackjacks.
The best count to use is Hi-Opt II.
I suggest picking up a copy of "Blackjack for Blood" and learning the Advanced Omega II.
Hi-Opt II doesn't "require" an Ace side-count. Works quite well without it. Of course like all Ace-neutral strats, it works better with it.
Unless you want a betting correlation of just .91 and are willing to forego the benefits
specific to Basic Strategy departures for double-down, Insurance, and splitting plays.
I M H O, The Ace side-count is far too much to eschew.
If Side-Counting just four Aces is too hard then I suggest the ZEN Count, balanced or unbalanced.
What is the trade off? How many indices does HiLo equal HO2 with only 18? zgYou are not losing the value of BS departures. The point is that while Hi-Opt II without a side-count is not as good as with -- it still beats HiLo. See http://www.card-counting.com/cvcxonlineviewer.htm
You are not losing the value of BS departures. The point is that while Hi-Opt II without a side-count is not as good as with -- it still beats HiLo. See http://www.card-counting.com/cvcxonlineviewer.htm