"We won the game comfortably and perhaps didn't take as many chances as we'd have liked," said Allardyce.
"But that doesn't matter know, it's a 2-0 victory and a clean sheet. We did a great job and our time in pre-season stood us in good stead.
"I told the players I wanted them at 100% by August 17 and I felt we were physically and mentally.
"When we didn't have the edge on them we defended superbly well. Cardiff only had one shot on target the entire game."
Allardyce brought new signing Stuart Downing on late in the game - and he admitted he is excited about what the man he bought from Liverpool may deliver for West Ham.
"There's no need to talk about Stuart proving himself, he's a top quality player and has been for a number of years," he added.
"We didn't start him today because he hadn't had much match time at Liverpool.
"To have him on the bench and bring him on when Cardiff were tiring was exciting.
"It's nice to have him and the main thing is he's glad to be here.
"He gave the crowd a little something of what we hope they will see all season.
"We had competition all over the pitch today and a lot of disappointed players on the bench and two, Jack Collison and Matt Taylor even more disappointed at not being in the squad.
"Their contribution in the last two years has been enormous.
"Everybody has to fight for their place now."
Allardyce on Cardiff:
"It was their first game and if you could choose your first game in the Premier League you'd want it at home, not away," he said.
"We came up to the Premier League having won more Championship games away than we did at home.
"But last year in the Premier League it was a huge task to pick up points on the road, we only won three games in the entire season away.
"Your home form is what you need to get right to stay in the Premier League.
"Hopefully with what Malky has brought to the club Cardiff will get the results they are looking for.