Playing Well against Rookies

[Yo'Maha]

I've been playing and studying poker for about a year now, and while I am a very quick study, have a hunger for learning and have had some success, I consider myself average at best with lots to learn. One thing I have noticed as this game gets more and more popular, is that I find myself invited to a lot more "social" poker events. Small cash games at friend's houses, small buy-in tourneys at friends-of-friend's houses, etc.

In those venues, I am seeing more and more what I like to call "talkers". They tell you all about how great they are at poker, how long they've been playing, and bad beat after bad beat story. Rarely though, have any of these players impressed me at the table with thier play. I see alot of basic starting hand knowledge, but few skills after the flop.

I seem to find more success against better players at higher limit tables either at the casino, or online. I know this goes against all the advice for beginners I have seen, but it just seems like I can really play better in these scenarios. I cannot ever seem to win against lesser players who don't seem to care about my actions or follow any type of reads. They all just seem to play thier cards, so I have a hard time really applying any of the concepts I work so hard at mastering in these types of games.

I guess my question is this - Is there a general philosophy on how to alter your game to suit a "no-fold-'em hold'em style game? What is wrong with me, that I can manage a small bankroll in live or online games against seemingly better players, but get killed against players who only seem consumed with the cards?

Any advice would be appreciated.