Hand Choke?

I have a 2-yr old Bolens mower with a Briggs Stratton motor that won't start EXCEPT. . . If I remove the air filter and choke the carb with the palm of my hand for one pull, and then remove my palm, it will start easily on the next pull.

Any ideas how to fix this so I can start it without all this?

does it have a choke and is it working?

I found a mower with "auto choke" that behaved the same way. Loosening and carefully tightening the carb while flicking the choke flap and ensuring free movement fixed it. It seems that the auto choke relies on a light spring that close the choke and allows airflow to open it. The bolts were too tight and distorted the carb body enough to bind the choke and prevent it from closing completely.