Methods and systems are provided for searching for a codeword from a plurality of codewords in a codebook for use in precoding, for example, as used in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission system. Tree search and recursive algorithm techniques may be utilized to reduce the complexity and enhance the efficiency of the codebook search. Distance values may be determined between an optimal codeword and codewords in a codebook. The distance values may be accumulated for a group of the k-best codewords. Additionally or alternatively, a codeword from the codebook may be removed from consideration if the codeword meets a stop rule condition. A codeword may be selected from the codebook based on a minimum distance value from the optimal codeword.