flop or pitch: Jim is correct about being close, I think I can clear about 9 or 10 yards of bunker before I get nervous; I am probably punching if much farther away from the edge of the green. Honestly, flop worked to get out, but that's it, it was often a 2 putt. I am using "pitch" more now with better results (I hope). For "flop" I almost always used full power (19 yard flopping wedge). For "pitch" I will go down to 3/4 power (of 17 yard pitch rated wedge) and be able to get a pretty tight 12 yard shot.
I always use full bs and switch to putter & reverse view to line it all up (to get the grid that doesn't move w/ aimer), pin out, and I hope I remember to switch back to wedge from putter.
And lastly, your lie (and the course) make all the difference. I avoid Oakmont & CCC bunkers @ all costs. Bethpage Black, though, can be a lot of fun; best course for decent lie bunker practice IMO.