diff --git a/mathics/builtin/patterns.py b/mathics/builtin/patterns.py
index 92e7a8e76f..183daaf6fb 100644
--- a/mathics/builtin/patterns.py
+++ b/mathics/builtin/patterns.py
@@ -802,8 +802,12 @@ class Pattern_(PatternObject):
 
     def init(self, expr):
         super(Pattern_, self).init(expr)
+        if len(expr._leaves)<2:
+            print("    ###-> Pattern requires 2 arguments...")
+            self.error("patvar", expr)
         self.varname = expr.leaves[0].get_name()
-        if self.varname is None:
+        if self.varname is None or self.varname == "":
+            print("     ###---->  ", expr, " does not have a name...")
             self.error("patvar", expr)
         self.pattern = Pattern.create(expr.leaves[1])