Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequencing palette updates in a video graphics system is accomplished by first storing a first portion of graphics data in a first position of a bus master buffer, where the first portion of the graphics data utilizes a palette. An indication of a palette update is then received, where the palette update will be used by subsequent graphics data. The updated palette is stored in a second position of the bus master buffer. A second portion of the graphics data, which utilizes the updated palette, is then stored in a third position of the bus master buffer. The data in the bus master buffer is then fetched through a direct memory access transfer initiated by the graphics processor in the system. The data is fetched in a sequential manner, which ensures that the palette update does not occur until after the graphics data utilizing the original palette has been drawn.