A properly working carburetor and choke system doesn't need a lot of coaxing to start. Turn ignition on- - - -pull choke knob all the way out. Crank the engine until it starts, or at least hits a time or two. Push choke knob halfway in and crank. If the engine doesn't start, fix the carburetor, or the ignition system, or both. Good compression on all cylinders helps, too.
Automatic chokes are smarter than all drivers, and most mechanics.
Jerry