The term 'CUT FOLLOWER, OFTEN' can be solved by the crossword solutions 'ANTE' (4 letters) and 'RETAKE' (6 letters). Ante is a Latin word meaning 'BEFORE' and is often used in card games to refer to the initial stake or wager made by each player BEFORE the cards are dealt. RETAKE is a verb meaning to take something back or to do something again. In the context of card games, it usually refers to the option of taking back a bet after seeing the cards dealt.