Collect 50 rings then enter the special stage and get an emerald Let yourself die then collect another 50 rings and reenter the special stage
Give your rings to the same person you used when you went to the special stage the first time You will go to the same stage where you found the emerald but if you complete it this time youll get an extra life
Collect 100 rings to get a second extra life Die and repeat the cycle as often as desired