The Battles of Halhin Gol - August 20, 1939 - August 31, 1939

Historical Background:
The Japanese try to break through Mongolia towards the oil-fields of Siberia. A series of border incidents followed. The Russians bring their artillery and armor closer during the night, without being noticed by the Japanese. At the same time, the Japanese bring in reinforcements to break through the Russian lines on the border. The first big battle of the second world war is about to start.

Historically, the Japanese were defeated by the Russians. This made them change their strategy from attacking Mongolia and Russia with a land army to attacking south-east Asia with a navy to obtain control over oil fields in the Philipines. If the Russians would have been defeated, they would have had to fight on two fronts, while the US might never have been attacked at Pearl Harbor.

Briefing:
No special rules.

Conditions of Victory:
8 Victory medals for both sides. The town of Halhin Gol is worth a victory medal for both sides.

Special Rules:
No special rules

Scenario Bibliography:
Wikipedia

Warning:
Please note that this scenario was not approved by Richard Borg or Days of Wonder, so you have to check yourself about playability, potential gaming issues, etc.