Yeah a caution to just popping a “needle “ type one in without checking its correct, it won’t close fully and you’ll never get your carb set up in a month of Sundays. It will allow some fuel, but importantly a load of air over the enrichment circuit when “off”. Ask me how I know.

. Years ago before I had the manual, I put what came out, back in. It would stall just jolting the bike. This was the final £60 genuine piece I ordered and sorted it instantly.
To answer the above, when closed the piston is to the right, rubber end closing a hole, and body blocking an air passage. When pulled open, the piston moves left uncovering the fuel passage from the bowl, and clears the air passage over the top of the carb, the Venturi effect of the air sucking up the fuel. The finger/ needle stops the piston closing, so choke is always partly on. You can check visually from the top or measuring it if you’re bored. Obviously the needle type does fit on some models. Not sure if it’s a country/ California thing?