a method for reducing dispatch stalls includes tracking allocation and deallocation of real rename buffers for instructions dispatched by a dispatch unit , and providing at least one virtual rename buffer for allocation of an instruction when the real rename buffers have been allocated . the method further includes tagging the instruction allocated to the at least one virtual rename buffer with a rename buffer busy signal , wherein the rename buffer busy signal indicates to an execution unit that the instruction cannot be completed . an efficient system for utilization of rename buffers in a superscalar processor includes a plurality of rename buffers , a dispatch unit coupled to the plurality of rename buffers , and an allocation / deallocation table coupled to the dispatch unit and the plurality of rename buffers . further , the table includes a plurality of real rename buffer slots and at least one virtual rename buffer slot . additionally , a rename busy signal is provided for an instruction allocated to the at least one virtual rename buffer slot .