I'm looking for an effective way to fight the sicilian as white.  To the Sicilian players reading this, does the Closed Sicilian give you trouble?  And to everyone, would you recommend the Closed Sicilian?

The Closed Sicilian gets a bad wrap because black equalizes in the opening phase of the game. People always say that white doesn't play for an advantage. On the other hand, what's wrong with an equal middle game position?

As a Sicilian player I cringe a little at the Closed. Even though I know what to play as Black, it just seems like an easy system for white. I wouldn't say it gives me trouble, but it's no worse than the Alapin, the Chamelion, the Smith Morra, the Grand Prix etc.

BECAUSE OF LACKED OF OPENING KNOWLEDGE, I ALWAYS PREFER TO USE THE KING'S INDIAN ATTACK (KIA) AGAINST ANY DEFENSE. ESPECIALLY AGAINST SICILIAN, 1.E4 C5 2.NC3 WITH A KING'S BISHOP FIANCHETTO.THE REST IS OVER THE BOARD ANALYSIS.

I always thought KIA was knight at D2 and f3...

 I have had pretty good results with the closed Sicilian over the years, it saves a lot of time studying all the other replys to the various Sicilians out there.

The KIA is a nice setup, but I usually move out my bisshop before Nd2

I think the closed sicilian is a very nice choice for white against the Sicilian.

 There are not many black set-ups, so you can build up specialized knowledge pretty fast.

The Closed Sicilian usually leads to positional maneuvering, so if you like tactics, pick something else.

I like tactics, but I am studying maneuvering, so I started playing some closed openings.

KIA is a good alternative against the sicilian, it seems your in full control.

I think it helps white to avoid the open lines of the sicilian if he is not ready for them.  The open sicilian leads to a less intense middle game which is ideal for someone not familuar with the theory of the opening.

GOOD LUCK!

I personally always play 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 and next move c4 to clamp down on d5(because d5 is often a way for black to challenge the white centre). Unless he plays d6. Then I play d4, cxd4, Nxd4, and c4 against whatever he plays next.