The Kaplan-Rubens point count method was an invention of Edgar Kaplan and Jeff Rubens, both great players and co-editors of The Bridge World magazine. Many experts, including Val, think that this is the most accurate method for valuing balanced and semi-balanced hands. The method starts with the standard 4-3-2-1 point count, subtracting for features like honors in short suits, and adding for features like honors that are together in the same suit, honors that are in the hand’s long suits, and good spot cards in the long suits.
A Kaplan-Rubens calculator is available here.