Derby's winless run at Pride Park continued as Kieffer Moore's third goal of the season earned Cardiff a 1-1 draw.
Martyn Waghorn gave Derby a first-half lead with another brilliant free kick but Moore equalised 13 minutes from time.
Moore and Junior Hoilett hit the woodwork for the visitors and Waghorn was denied a second near the end but Derby at least halted a run of five home league defeats.
Derby had failed to score at home in the Championship this season but they went close in the ninth minute when Tom Lawrence found space on the right edge of the box and fizzed a shot just wide.
Lawrence was involved again when his run across the face of the area was halted by Joe Ralls and from the resulting free kick, Derby finally ended that drought in the 24th minute.
Waghorn had scored a superb free kick at Nottingham Forest on Friday night and he struck again with a left foot curler over the wall that left Alex Smithies helpless.
He was close to a second when Lee Buchanan cut the ball back but Waghorn's shot was blocked by Curtis Nelson and he saw another goalbound effort charged down as Derby pressed.
Cardiff had hardly figured as an attacking force but they came close in the 39th minute when Will Vaulks whipped in a cross from the right and Moore headed against a post from six yards.
It signalled a good spell for Cardiff but Derby ended the half on the front foot with Nelson cutting out a cross before Waghorn could pounce.