When the player places a bet which is equal to the current highest bet it is called calling. Raise means placing a bet equal the highest bet, plus more to get the highest bet. Placing a bet equal to the highest bet, then adding more to become the highest bet is raising. If nobody has made a bet before you, you can stay in the game without calling or raising. It is called checking. If you think that you will hardly win you can fold. In this case you lose your bet and any chance of winning. Internet American Poker Raise.