diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 3ae47b3..c3d7c07 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -120,6 +120,48 @@ if d.AllowInternet {
 - NOT used for server-side WireGuard kernel config
 - Example: `10.172.21.0/24` allows peer to reach full subnet via firewall + routes full subnet through VPN on client
 
+## FIREWALL CHAINS — INPUT vs FORWARD (CRITICAL)
+
+nftables traffic enters different chains depending on destination:
+- **Traffic TO server's own IP** (e.g. 10.172.21.1) → **INPUT chain**
+- **Traffic THROUGH server** (peer-to-peer, e.g. 10.172.21.2 → 10.172.21.3) → **FORWARD chain**
+
+### Rule routing in code
+| Destination | Chain | Method |
+|-------------|-------|--------|
+| Server's own `interface_address` | INPUT | `AddInputFirewallRule()` |
+| Other peer IPs / subnets | FORWARD | `AddFirewallRule()` |
+
+### Detection logic (syncRuleToFirewall)
+```go
+serverIP = strings.Split(localServer.InterfaceAddress, "/")[0]
+destBase = strings.Split(destCIDR, "/")[0]
+if destBase == serverIP {
+    fw.AddInputFirewallRule(...)  // → INPUT chain
+} else {
+    fw.AddFirewallRule(...)       // → FORWARD chain
+}
+```
+
+### Anti-pattern
+```go
+// WRONG — all rules go to FORWARD, server IP rules are dead
+fw.AddFirewallRule(...)  // for dest=10.172.21.1 → enters FORWARD chain → never matched
+```
+
+### Correct pattern
+```go
+// CORRECT — detect server IP, route to correct chain
+if destBase == serverIP {
+    fw.AddInputFirewallRule(...)  // → INPUT chain (matches traffic TO server)
+} else {
+    fw.AddFirewallRule(...)       // → FORWARD chain (matches traffic THROUGH server)
+}
+```
+
+### Why
+Traffic to server's own IP is processed by INPUT chain, not FORWARD chain. Placing rules in FORWARD chain for server-bound traffic makes them dead rules that never match.
+
 ## UNIQUE STYLES
 - **Zero-Attack Surface**: `/auth/register` locked; admin via `-create-admin` CLI only
 - **Stealth Agent**: No `/etc/wireguard/` — config in memory only