What is "the stack" in magic the gathering?

Question

im reading through the official rule, i may have missed something but they keep on useing the term "stack" in alot of the rules and im not sure what that is.

example: 411.1. To play a mana ability, the player announces that he or she is playing it and pays the activation cost, following the steps in rules 409.1b. It resolves immediately after it is played and doesn't go on the stack. (See rule 408.2e.)

Answer 1

People have basically covered the stack in its simplest above me.  But I do have to nitpick since an answer above me given by roflmaowhaghm is partially incorrect.  The resolution order is correct but the opponent would take no damage UNLESS the attacking creature had trample.

Answer 2

it is the order in which spells and abilities resolve.

the order of I respond to A with B

and it resolves  "first in, last out."

Answer 3

The stack is basically an effect play. When you play a spell, and an opponent plays another spell, your opponent's spell occurs first, if you then play another spell, your spell would occur before your opponent's.

Here's an example situation:

You have a 4/4 creature and you attack with it:

Your opponent plays a card that gives it -2/-2 and blocks with a 3/3.

You then play a card that gives the 3/3 -4/-4.

So first, the 3/3 would get -4/-4, killing it.

Then your creature gets -2/-2, making it a 2/2.

You deal your opponent 2 damage.

Answer 4

the stack is the 'virtual' Layer of spells and effects that are happening. If you cast a spell, its at the bottom of the stack. If someone casts an instant, then that spell goes above it in the stack, The stack is always resolved from the top down. In short, It is the time at which each spell/ability is resolved