Using an array to represent a playing surface can be really helpful for a variety of types of games. This section will provide you with some links to different websites that go over this topic in detail.
Here are two websites with good tutorials on how to use arrays to make certain types of games easier.
https://www.raywenderlich.com/38732/multiplayer-game-programming-for-teens-with-python
http://programarcadegames.com/index.php?chapter=array_backed_grids