This paper proposes an efficient sub-optimal MIMO linear precoder based on the maximization of minimum distance for three virtual suchannels. A new virtual MIMO channel representation with two channel angles allows the parameterization of the linear precoder and the optimization of the distance between signal points at the received constellation. To illustrate the optimization process, a precoder is derived for BPSK and QPSK modulation following the max-SNR approach, which consists in pouring power only on the most favored virtual sub-channel. Simulation results over a Rayleigh channel confirm the interest of this new precoder in terms of bit-error-rate.