How do "chains" work in yugioh No links, please explain it in a nutshell and easily to understand :)?

shall best:
think of way, there 2 parts every card effect: there activation , there resolution (or effect).
when activate card card activates first, , resolves.
example: activate solemn warning. in phase of activation pay 2000 life points. wait response opponent. if there no response then: go resolution (or effect) phase , apply effect(s) of solemn warning.

may think point of these 2 phases. these 2 phases how chains builds. chains "stack" on each other during activation phase, when neither player has or wants respond further, cards go in resolution backwards.

here example of long , complex chain:
synchro summons goyo guardian.
opponent responds (not chains, big difference!) bottomless trap hole
chain link 1: bottomless trap hole (now activation phase of bottomless)
chain link 2: activate , chain forbidden lance (this still activation phase)
chain link 3: opponent chains compulsory evacuation device
chain link 4: chain dark bribe (this still activation phase counter trap card activated, other counter trap cards can chained)
chain link 5: opponent chains solemn judgment , pays life points
chain link 6: chain own copy of solemn judgment , pays life points
neither player wishes chain now.

activation phase over. go resolution phase. chains resolve backwards. so:
chl6: solemn judgment negates activation of chl5 solemn judgment.
chl5: void , negated
chl4:dark bribe negates activation of compulsory evacuation device.
chl3: void , negated
chl2:forbidden lance reduces goyo guardian's attack , makes him unaffected further spell or trap cards until end phase.
chl1: bottomless trap hole attempts destroy , banish goyo guardian cannot unaffected due lance.

can see activation phase , resolution phase helps of this.
things keep in mind chains:
cannot chain summons or attacks respond them. bottomless trap hole chain link 1 if no other effects activated prior it.
chains resolve backwards activation phase builds forwards.
cards negate activations must activated directly after card attempting negate, cannot dark bribe dark hole activated 3 chain links ago.
when building chains opposite player of built previous chain has right go next , build onto chain. cannot activate dark hole , chain jar of greed without letting opponent activate legendary 6 samurai - shi en.

Games & Recreation Card Games Next