Do I need a choke?

Not being there when its being started makes it hard to make any absolute statement.
If it runs well warmed up, then the tune is ballpark correct and a choke would help with start.
To run a car without choke usually requires adding some fuel before turning the key (extra pump shots) and then finessing the throttle as the engine fires and bringing the rpms up to 1800-2000 with the throttle.

Vacuum advance is for leaner conditions and while some use it as a workaround at idle rpm, normally it does not come into play at idle. That's getting off topic, but knowing the rpm of the 18* initial IS important and may be relevant to starting.